How are your sisters, Master
Humphrey?" said the intendant; "my daughter bade me inquire. I will
send over to them and let them know that your brother is better, if
you do not leave this for the cottage yourself after the surgeon has
called again."
"My sisters are no longer at the cottage, Master Heatherstone,"
replied Humphrey; "they have gone to some friends who have taken
charge of them. I saw them safe to London myself, or I should have
known of my brother's illness and have been here before this."
"You indeed tell me news, Master Humphrey," replied the intendant.
"With whom, may I ask, are your sisters placed, and in what capacity
are they gone?"
This reply of the intendant's reminded Humphrey that he had somewhat
committed himself, as, being supposed to be the daughters of a
forester, it was not to be thought that they had gone up to be
educated; and he therefore replied--
"They found it lonely in the forest, Master Heatherstone, and wished
to see London; so we have taken them there, and put them into the care
of those who have promised that they shall be well placed."
The intendant appeared to be much disturbed and surprised, but he said
nothing, and soon afterward quitted the room. He almost immediately
returned with the surgeon, who, as soon as he felt Edward's pulse,
declared that the crisis was over, and that when he awoke he would be
quite sensible.
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