"
The intendant having given his consent, Edward retired without having
exchanged a word with Patience or Clara beyond the usual civilities of
the table.
The following morning, Edward, who had not slept an hour during the
night, set off for Clara's cottage, and found Chaloner and Grenville
still in bed. At the sound of his voice the door was opened, and he
gave Chaloner the letter; the latter read it and then handed it to
Edward. The Misses Conynghame were delighted at the idea of receiving
the two daughters of Colonel Beverley, and would treat them as their
own; they requested that they might be sent to London immediately,
where the coach would meet them to convey them down to Lancashire.
They begged to be kindly remembered to Captain Beverley, and to assure
him that his sisters should be well cared for.
"I am much indebted to you, Chaloner," said Edward; "I will send my
brother off with my sisters as soon as possible. You will soon think
of returning to France; and if you will permit me, I will accompany
you."
"You, Edward! that will be delightful; but you had no idea of the kind
when last we met. What has induced you to alter your mind?"
"I will tell you by-and-by; I do not think I shall be here again for
some days.
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