Where is Oswald
Partridge?"
"In the stable with the horses, sir," replied Humphrey.
"Then, when the cart is loaded--and it had better be done by you while
the men are in the stable--Oswald shall take charge of it, and take
the things to my house."
"Here are the keys, sir," said Edward, presenting them.
"Good. And now, Edward Armitage, that we are alone, I want to have a
little conversation with you. You are aware how much I feel indebted
to you for the service you have rendered me, and how anxious I am to
show my gratitude. You are born for better things than to remain an
obscure forester, and perhaps a deer-stalker. I have now an offer to
make to you, which I trust, upon reflection, you will not refuse--and
I say reflection, because I do not wish you to give an answer till you
have well reflected. I know that you will not accept any thing under
the present government; but a private situation you can raise no
objection to; the more so as, so far from leaving your family, you
will be more in a position to protect them. I am in want of a
secretary, and I wish you to accept that office, to live entirely in
my house, and to receive a handsome salary for your services, which
will not, I trust, be too heavy. You will be near to your family here
in the cottage, and be able to protect them and assist them; and what
is more, you will mix with the world and know what is going on, as I
am in the confidence of the government.
Pages:
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291