It depends upon you to release them eventually from their false
position; and you can never have such an opening as is now offered
you, by one whose gratitude alone will make him anxious to serve you."
"You are right, Humphrey, and I will accept the offer; I can but
return to you if things do not go on well."
"I thank you sincerely for your decision, Edward," replied Humphrey.
"What a sweet girl that Patience Heatherstone is! I think I never saw
such an enchanting smile!"
Edward thought of the smile she gave him when they parted but an hour
ago, and agreed with Humphrey, but he replied--
"Why, brother, you are really in love with the intendant's daughter."
"Not so, my dear brother; but I am in love with her goodness and
sweetness of disposition, and so are Alice and Edith, I can tell you.
She has promised to come over and see them, and bring them flowers for
their garden, and I hardly know what; and I am very glad of it, as my
sisters have been buried here so long, that they can not but gain by
her company now and then. No! I will leave Mistress Heatherstone for
you; I am in love with little Clara."
"Not a bad choice, Humphrey: we both aspire high, for two young
foresters, do we not? However, they say 'Every dog has his day,' and
Cromwell and his Parliament may have theirs.
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