Two days after you left, the intendant hastened up to
London, and, from what I have understood, he was strongly opposed to
the deed, and did all he could to prevent it; but it was of no use.
When he left, he gave me strict injunctions not to go away from the
cottage for an hour, as his daughter was left alone; and as I
promised, I could not come to you; but, nevertheless, Patience
received letters from him, and told me what I tell you."
"You have not dined, Oswald?" said Edward.
"No, that I have not."
"Alice, dear, get some dinner, will you? And Oswald, while you dine,
excuse me if I leave you for a while. Your intelligence has so
astounded me that I can listen to nothing else till I have had a
little while to commune with myself and subdue my feelings."
Edward was indeed in a state of mind which required calming down. He
quitted the cottage and walked out for some distance into the forest,
in deep thought.
"Murdered at last!" exclaimed he. "Yes, well may it be called murder,
and no one to save him--not a blow struck in his defense--not an arm
raised. How much gallant blood has been shed in vain! Spirit of my
fathers, didst thou leave none of thy mettle and thy honour behind
thee; or has all England become craven? Well, the time will come, and
if I can no longer hope to fight for my king, at all events I can
fight against those who have murdered him.
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