Why I know not, I feel a regard for that
man, and a confidence in him. And why should I not? He knows my
principles, my feelings against his party, and he respects them.
Surely he can not wish to gain me over to his party; that were indeed
ridiculous--a young forester--a youth unknown. No, he would gain
nothing by that, for I am nobody. It must be from goodwill, and no
other feeling. I have obliged him in the service I rendered his
daughter, and he is grateful." Perhaps, had Edward put the question to
himself, "Should I have been on such friendly terms with the
intendant--should I have accepted his offer, if there had been no
Patience Heatherstone?" he might then have discovered what was the
"spell upon him" which had rendered him so tractable; but of that he
had no idea. He only felt that his situation would be rendered more
comfortable by the society of an amiable and handsome girl, and he
inquired no further.
His revery was broken by Pablo, who appeared tired of holding his
tongue, and said, Massa Edward, you not like leave home--you think
very much. Why you go there?"
"I certainly do not like to leave home, Pablo, for I am very fond of
my brother and sisters; but we can not always do as we wish in this
world, and it is for their sakes, more than from my own inclinations,
that I have done so.
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