"
"That is to say, because all you wish for, your property and a woman
you love, are offered you in one lot, you will not accept them; they
must be divided, and handed over to you in two!" said Alice, smiling.
"You mistake, dearest; I am not so foolish; but I have a certain
pride, which you can not blame. Accepting the property from Mr.
Heatherstone is receiving a favor were it given as a marriage portion
with his daughter. Now, why should I accept as a favor what I can
claim as a right! It is my intention of appealing to the king and
demanding the restoration of my property. He can not refuse it."
"Put not your trust in princes, brother," replied Alice. "I doubt if
the king, or his council, will consider it advisable to make so many
discontented as to restore property which has been so long held by
others, and by so doing create a host of enemies. Recollect also that
Mr. Heatherstone, and his brother-in-law, Sir Ashley Cooper, have done
the king much more service than you ever have or can do. They have
been most important agents in his restoration, and the king's
obligations to them are much greater than they are to you. Besides,
merely for what may be called a point of honor, for it is no more, in
what an unpleasant situation will you put his majesty! At all events,
Edward, recollect you do not know what are the intentions of Mr.
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