You are both of gentle
birth, but my sisters, you know, are only the daughters of a forester,
and my brother Edward and I are no better. It does not become Mistress
Patience and you to be intimate with such as we are, especially now
that Mistress Patience is a great heiress; for her father has obtained
the large property of Arnwood, and it will be hers after his death. It
is not fit that the heiress of Arnwood should mix herself up with
foresters' daughters; and as we had friends near Lymington, who
offered to assist us, and take our sisters under their charge, we
thought it better that they should go; for what would become of them,
if any accident was to happen to Edward or to me? Now they will be
provided for. After they have been taught, they will make very nice
tirewomen to some lady of quality," added Humphrey, with a sneer.
"Don't you think they will, my pretty Clara?"
Clara burst into tears.
"You are very unkind, Humphrey," sobbed she. "You had no right to send
away your sisters. I don't believe you--that's more!" and Clara ran
away into the house.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Our readers may think that Humphrey was very unkind, but it was to
avoid being questioned by Clara, who was evidently sent for the
purpose, that he was so harsh.
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