Mr. Heatherstone
observing to Edward that he did not look well, said supper was ready,
and that they had better go into the next room. Edward mechanically
followed. At supper he was tormented by the incessant inquiries of
Clara, as to what was the matter with him. He did not venture to look
at Patience, and made a hasty retreat to bed, complaining, as he might
well do, of a severe headache.
Edward threw himself on his bed, but to sleep was impossible. He
thought of the events of the day over and over again. Had he any
reason to believe that Patience returned his affection? No; her reply
was too calm, too composed to make him suppose that; and now that she
would be an heiress, there would be no want of pretenders to her hand;
and he would lose her and his property at the same time. It was true
that the intendant had declared that he would renounce the property if
the true heir appeared, but that was easy to say upon the conviction
that no heir would appear; and even if he did renounce it, the
Parliament would receive it again rather than it should fall into the
hands of a Beverley. "Oh that I had never left the cottage!" thought
Edward. "I might then, at least, have become resigned and contented
with my lot. Now I am miserable, and, whichever way I turn, I see no
prospect of being otherwise.
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