y your expressions,
adverse to the present government."

"Sir," replied Edward, "your language, with respect to Colonel Beverley,
has made me feel respect for you, which I confess I did not at first;
what you say is very just; not that I think you harm Jacob Armitage; as,
in the first place, I know that he would not serve under you; and, in
the next, that he is too old and infirm to hold the situation; neither
has he occasion for it, as his cottage and land are his own, and you
cannot remove him."

"He has the title, I presume?" replied the gentleman.

"He has the title given to his grandfather, long before King Charles was
born, and I presume the Parliament do not intend to invalidate the acts
of former kings."

"May I inquire what relation you are to Jacob Armitage?"

"I believe, I have before said, his grandson."

"You live with him?"

"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 a playmate of the children
of Colonel Beverley."

"Educated with them?"

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

"Where were you when Arnwood was burnt 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, my
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 t