as been rebuilt, and I understand is a very
princely mansion. Humphrey has charge of it, until it is ascertained to
whom it is to belong."

"It belongs to Mr Heatherstone, does it not?" replied Edward.

"How can you say so, Edward? You received Humphrey's letters a long
while ago."

"Yes, I did; but let us not talk about it any more, my dear Edith. I am
in great perplexity."

"Nay, dear brother, let us talk about it," said Alice, who had come up
and overheard the latter portion of the conversation.

"What is your perplexity?"

"Well," replied Edward, "since it is to be so, let us sit down and talk
over the matter. I acknowledge the kindness of Mr Heatherstone, and
feel that all he asserted to Humphrey is true; still I do not like that
I should be indebted to him for a property which is mine, and that he
has no right to give. I acknowledge his generosity, but I do not
acknowledge his right of possession. Nay, much as I admire, and I may
say, fond as I am (for time has not effaced the feeling) of his
daughter, it still appears to me that, although not said, it is expected
that she is to be included in the transfer; and I will accept no wife on
such conditions."

"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 cannot blame. Accepting the property from Mr Heatherstone is
receiving a favour, were it given as a marriage portion with his
daughter. Now, why should I accept as a favour what I can claim as a
right? It is my intention of appealing to the king and demanding the
restoration of my property. He cannot 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 honour, for it is no more, in what an
unpleasant situation will you put