t you--promise me that."

"I do promise you, most faithfully, Patience, that I will ever have my
sisters and you in my thoughts, and will not be rash under any
circumstances."

"Thank you, Edward; may God bless you and preserve you!"

Edward first kissed Patience's hand, that was held in his own; but
perceiving the tears starting in her eyes, he kissed them off, without
any remonstrance on her part, and then left the room. In a few moments
more he was mounted on a fine powerful black horse, and followed by
Sampson, on his road to London.

We will pass over the journey, which was accomplished without any event
worthy of remark. Edward had, from the commencement, called Sampson to
his side, that he might answer the questions he had to make upon all
that he saw, and which the reader must be aware was quite new to one
whose peregrinations had been confined to the New Forest and the town
adjacent. Sampson was a very powerful man, of a cool and silent
character, by no means deficient in intelligence, and trustworthy
withal. He had long been a follower of the Intendant, and had served in
the army. He was very devout; and generally, when not addressed, was
singing hymns in a low voice.

On the evening of the second day they were close to the metropolis, and
Sampson pointed out to Edward Saint Paul's Cathedral and Westminster
Abbey, and other objects worthy of note.

"And where are we to lodge, Sampson?" inquired Edward.

"The best hotel that I know of for man and beast is the `Swan with Three
Necks,' in Holborn. It is not over frequented by roysterers, and you
will there be quiet, and if your affairs demand it, unobserved."

"That will suit me, Sampson: I wish to observe, and not be observed,
during my stay in London."

Before dark they had arrived at the hotel, and the horses were in the
stable. Edward had procured an apartment to his satisfaction, and,
feeling fatigued with his two days' travelling, had gone to bed.

The following morning he examined the letters which had been given to
him by the Intendant, and inquired of Sampson if he could direct him on
his way. Sampson knew London well: and Edward set out to Spring Gardens
to deliver a letter, which the intendant informed him was confidential,
to a person of the name of Langton. Edward knocked and was ushered in,
Sampson taking a seat in the hall while Edward was shown into a
handsomely-furnished library, where he found himself in the presence of
a ta