They were not more grave than usual at the idea of Edward's
leaving them; but they kept up their spirits, as they were aware that
it was for the advantage of all.
On Monday morning, Edward, to please his sisters, put on his new
clothes, and put his forester's dress in the bundle with his linen.
Alice and Edith thought he looked very well in them, and said that it
reminded them of the days of Arnwood. The fact was, that Edward
appeared as he was--a gentleman born; that could not well be concealed
under a forester's dress, and in his present attire it was undeniable.
After breakfast, Billy was harnessed and brought to the cottage-door.
Edward's linen was put in the cart, and as he had agreed with
Humphrey, he took only Smoker with him, leaving the puppy at the
cottage. Pablo went with him, to bring back the cart. Edward kissed
his sisters, who wept at the idea of his leaving them, and, shaking
hands with Humphrey, he set off to cross the forest.
"Who would ever have believed this?" thought Edward, as he drove
across the forest, "that I should put myself under the roof and under
the protection of a Roundhead--one in outward appearance, and in the
opinion of the world at least, if he is not so altogether in opinions.
There is surely some spell upon me, and I almost feel as if I were a
traitor to my principles.
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