"Your farm appears to be very productive."
"Alice expected Miss Heatherstone, sir," replied Edward, "and made an
unusual provision. You must not think that we live on such fare every
day."
"No," replied the intendant, dryly; "on other days I dare say you have
other fare. I would almost make a bet that there is a pasty in the
cupboard which you dare not show to the intendant of the New Forest."
"You are mistaken, sir, for once," replied Humphrey. "Alice knows well
how to make one, but she has not one just now."
"Well, I must believe you, Master Humphrey," replied the intendant.
"And now, my dear child, we must think of going, for it is a long
ride, and the little girl is not used to a horse."
"Mistress Alice, many thanks for your hospitality; and now, farewell.
Edith, good-by, dear. Now, Clara, are you quite ready?"
They all went out of the cottage. The intendant put Clara on the pony,
after she had kissed Alice and Edith. Edward assisted Patience; and
when she was mounted, she said--
"I hope you will accept my father's offer--you will oblige me so much
if you do."
"I will give it every consideration it deserves," replied Edward.
"Indeed, it will depend more upon my brother than myself whether I
accept it or not.
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