"
"I know that, good brother; but all I can say is, that I will try what
I can do, and I can do no more--but not at present, for I am too
busy."
Three days after this conversation, Oswald Partridge made his
appearance, having been sent by the intendant to tell Edward that he
should come over on the following day to take away little Clara.
"And how is she to go?" said Edward.
"He will bring a little nag for her, if she can ride--if she can not,
she must ride in the cart which will come for the baggage."
"Clara, can you ride a horse?"
"Yes," replied Clara, "if it does not jump about too much. I always
rode one when I lived in Dorsetshire."
"This won't jump about, my little lady," said Oswald, "for he is
thirty years old, I believe, and as steady as an old gentleman ought
to be."
"I have had some conversation with Master Heatherstone," continued
Oswald to Edward. "He is much pleased with you, I can tell you. He
said that in times like these he required young men like you about
him; and that, as you would not take the berth of verderer, he must
find one better suited for you; for he said you were too good for such
an office."
"Many thanks to him for his good opinion," replied Edward; "but I do
not think that he has any office in his gift which I can accept.
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