I trust you
believe me, Edward, in what I assert?"
"First answer me one question, Mr. Heatherstone. Suppose it were
proved that the whole of the family did not, as it is supposed, perish
at the conflagration of Arnwood? Suppose a rightful heir to it should
at any time appear, would you then resign the property to him?"
"As I hope for Heaven, Edward, I would!" replied the intendant,
solemnly raising his eyes upward as he spoke. "I then should think
that I had been an instrument to keep the property out of other hands
less scrupulous, and should surrender it as a trust which had been
confided to me for the time only."
"With such feelings, Mr. Heatherstone, I can now congratulate you upon
your having obtained possession of the property," replied Edward.
"And yet I do not deserve so much credit, as there is little chance of
my sincerity being put to the test, Edward. There is no doubt that the
family all perished; and Arnwood will become the dower of Patience
Heatherstone."
Edward's heart beat quick. A moment's thought told him his situation.
He had been prevented, by the interruption of Mr. Heatherstone, from
making his confession to Patience; and now he could not make it to any
body without a rupture with the intendant, or a compromise, by asking
what he so earnestly desired--the hand of Patience.
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