"
"When did you hear from Humphrey, Edith?"
"A few days back. He has left the cottage now, altogether."
"Indeed? Where does he reside then?"
"At Arnwood. The house has been rebuilt, and I understand is a very
princely mansion. Humphrey has charge of it until it is ascertained to
whom it is to belong."
"It belongs to Mr. Heatherstone, does it not?" replied Edward.
"How can you say so, Edward! You received Humphrey's letters a long
while ago."
"Yes, I did; but let us not talk about it any more, my dear Edith. I
am in great perplexity."
"Nay, dear brother, let us talk about it," said Alice, who had come up
and overheard the latter portion of the conversation. "What is your
perplexity?"
"Well," replied Edward, "since it is to be so, let us sit down and
talk over the matter. I acknowledge the kindness of Mr. Heatherstone,
and feel that all he asserted to Humphrey is true: still I do not like
that I should be indebted to him for a property which is mine, and
that he has no right to give. I acknowledge his generosity, but I do
not acknowledge his right of possession. Nay, much as I admire, and I
may say, fond as I am (for time has not effaced the feeling) of his
daughter, it still appears to me that, although not said, it is
expected that she is to be included in the transfer; and I will accept
no wife on such conditions.
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