"
"So I thought, but I said nothing. He again asked many questions
relative to old Jacob Armitage, and he pressed me very hard. He said
that Humphrey was as much above his position in appearance as you
were, but as he was brought up at Arnwood, he presumed that he had had
the same advantages. And then he said--'But were his two sisters
brought up at Arnwood also?' I replied, that I believed not, although
they were often there, and were allowed to play with the children of
the house. He looked at me steadfastly, as if he would read my
thoughts, and then went on writing. I can not help thinking that he
has a suspicion that you are not the grandchildren of old Jacob; but
at the same time I do not think that he has an idea who you really
are."
"You must keep our secret, Oswald," replied Edward. "I have a very
good opinion of the intendant, I acknowledge; but I will trust
nobody."
"As I hope for future mercy, sir, I never will divulge it until you
bid me," replied Oswald.
"I trust to you, Oswald, and so there's an end of the matter. But tell
me, Oswald, what do they say about his taking charge of this little
girl?"
"Why, they did begin to talk about it; but when he gave out that it
was the order of Parliament that the child should remain with him
until further directions, of course they said nothing, for they dared
not.
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