The Children of the New Forest. Фредерик Марриет

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      "I do."

      "And if the old man dies, will inherit his property?"

      Edward smiled, and looking at the young girl, said:

      "Now, I ask you, maiden, if your father does not presume upon his office."

      The young girl laughed, and said:

      "He is in authority."

      "Not over me, certainly, and not over my grandfather, for he has dismissed him."

      "Were you brought up at the cottage, young man?"

      "No, sir, I was brought up at Arnwood. I was playmate of the children of Colonel Beverley."

      "Educated with them?"

      "Yes, for as far as my willfulness would permit, the chaplain was always ready to give me instruction."

      "Where were you when Arnwood was burned down?"

      "I was at the cottage at that time," replied Edward, grinding his teeth and looking wildly.

      "Nay, nay, I can forgive any expression of feeling on your part, young man, when that dreadful and disgraceful deed is brought to your memory. It was a stain that can never be effaced—a deed most diabolical, and what we thought would call down the vengeance of Heaven. If prayers could avert, or did avert it, they were not wanting on our side."

      Edward remained silent: this admission on the part of the Roundhead prevented an explosion on his part. He felt that all were not so bad as he had imagined. After a long pause, he said:

      "When I came here, sir, it was to seek Oswald Partridge, and obtain the hounds which he had promised us; but I presume that my journey is now useless."

      "Why so?"

      "Because you have the control of the forest, and will not permit dogs for the chase to be given away to those who are not employed by the powers that now govern."

      "You have judged correctly, in so far that my duty is to prevent it; but as the promise was made previous to the date of my commission, I presume," said he, smiling, "you think I have no right to interfere, as it will be an ex post facto case if I do: I shall not, therefore, interfere, only I must point out to you that the laws are still the same relative to those who take the deer in the forest by stealth—you understand me?"

      "Yes, sir, I do; and if you will not be offended, I will give you a candid reply."

      "Speak, then."

      "I consider that the deer in this forest belong to King Charles, who is my lawful sovereign, and I own no authority but from him. I hold myself answerable to him alone for any deer I may kill, and I feel sure of his permission and full forgiveness for what I may do."

      "That may be your opinion, my good sir, but it will not be the opinion of the ruling powers; but if caught, you will be punished, and that by me, in pursuance of the authority vested in me."

      "Well, sir, if so, so be it. You have dismissed the Armitages on account of their upholding the king, and you can not, therefore, be surprised that they uphold him more than ever. Nor can you be surprised if a dismissed verderer becomes a poacher."

      "Nor can you be surprised, if a poacher is caught, that he incurs the penalty," replied the Roundhead. "So now there's an end of our argument. If you go into the kitchen you will find wherewithal to refresh the outward man, and if you wish to remain till Oswald Partridge comes home, you are welcome."

      Edward, who felt indignant at being dismissed to the kitchen, nodded his head and smiled upon the little girl, and left the room. "Well," thought he, as he went along the passage, "I came here for two puppies, and I have found a Roundhead. I don't know how it is, but I am not angry with him as I thought I should be. That little girl had a nice smile—she was quite handsome when she smiled. Oh, this is the kitchen, to which," thought he, "the Lord of Arnwood is dismissed by a Covenanter and Roundhead, probably a tradesman or outlaw, who has served the cause. Well, be it so; as Humphrey says, 'I'll bide my time.' But there is no one here, so I'll try if there is a stable for White Billy, who is tired, I presume, of being at the gate."