"
"And it may be true," replied Edward, mournfully.
"Well, my view is different," replied Edith. "You know, Humphrey, how
many offers Patience Heatherstone has had, and has every day, I may
say. Why has she refused them all I In my opinion, because she has
been constant to a proud brother of mine, who does not deserve her!"
"It may be so, Edith," replied Humphrey. "Women are riddles--I only
argued upon the common sense of the thing."
"Much you know about women," replied Edith. "To be sure, you do not
meet many in the New Forest, where you have lived all your life."
"Very true, my dear sister; perhaps that is the reason that the New
Forest has had such charms for me."
"After that speech, sir, the sooner you get back again the better!"
retorted Edith. But Edward made a sign to Humphrey, and they beat a
retreat.
"Have you seen the intendant, Humphrey?"
"No; I was about to call upon him, but I wanted to see you first."
"I will go with you. I have not done him justice," replied Edward;
"and yet I hardly know how to explain to him."
"Say nothing, but meet him cordially; that will be explanation
sufficient."
"I shall meet him as one whom I shall always revere and feel that I
owe a deep debt of gratitude.
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