The Children of the New Forest

by Frederick Marryat

  CHAPTER XXVII.

  But we must follow Edward for a time. On his arrival at Paris, he waskindly received by King Charles, who promised to assist his views injoining the army.

  "You have to choose between two generals, both great in the art ofwar--Conde and Turenne. I have no doubt that they will be opposed toeach other soon--that will be the better for you, as you will learntactics from such great players."

  "Which would your majesty recommend me to follow?" inquired Edward.

  "Conde is my favorite, and he will soon be opposed to this truculentand dishonest court, who have kept me here as an instrument toaccomplish their own wishes, but who have never intended to keep theirpromises, and place me on the English throne. I will give you lettersto Conde; and, recollect that whatever general you take service under,you will follow him without pretending to calculate how far hismovements may be right or wrong--that is not your affair. Conde is justnow released from Vincennes, but depend upon it he will be in arms verysoon."

  As soon as he was furnished with the necessary credentials from theking, Edward presented himself at the levee of the Prince of Conde.

  "You are here highly spoken of," said the prince, "for so young a man.So you were at the affair of Worcester? We will retain you, for yourservices will be wanted by-and-by. Can you procure any of yourcountrymen?"

  "I know but of two that I can recommend from personal knowledge; butthese two officers I can venture to pledge myself for."

  "Any more?"

  "That I can not at present reply to your highness; but I should thinkit very possible."

  "Bring me the officers to-morrow at this hour, Monsieur Beverley--_aurevoir_."

  The Prince of Conde then passed on to speak to other officers andgentlemen who were waiting to pay their respects. Edward went toChaloner and Grenville, who were delighted with the intelligence whichhe brought them. The next day they were at the prince's levee, andintroduced by Edward.

  "I am fortunate, gentlemen," said the prince, "in securing the servicesof such fine young men. You will oblige me by enlisting as many of yourcountrymen as you may consider likely to do good service, and thenfollow me to Guienne, to which province I am now about to depart. Bepleased to put yourself into communication with the parties named inthis paper, and after my absence you will receive from them everyassistance and necessary supplies which may be required."

  A month after this interview, Conde, who had been joined by a greatnumber of nobles, and had been re-enforced by troops from Spain, set upthe standard of revolt. Edward and his friends joined them, with aboutthree hundred English and Scotchmen, which they had enlisted, and verysoon afterward Conde obtained the victory at Blenan, and in April,1652, advanced to Paris. Turenne, who had taken the command of theFrench army, followed him, and a severe action was fought in thestreets of the suburb of St. Antoine, in which neither party had theadvantage. But eventually Conde was beaten back by the superior forceof Turenne; and, not receiving the assistance he expected from theSpaniards, he fell back to the frontiers of Champagne.

  Previous to his departure from Paris, Edward had received Humphrey'sletter, explaining away the intendant's conduct; and the contentsremoved a heavy load from Edward's mind; but he now thought of nothingbut war, and although he cherished the idea of Patience Heatherstone,he was resolved to follow the fortunes of the prince as long as hecould. He wrote a letter to the intendant, thanking him for his kindfeelings and intentions toward him, and he trusted that he might oneday have the pleasure of seeing him again. He did not however think itadvisable to mention the name of his daughter, except in inquiringafter her health, and sending his respects. "It may be years before Isee her again," thought Edward, "and who knows what may happen?"

  The Prince of Conde now had the command of the Spanish forces in theNetherlands; and Edward, with his friends, followed his fortunes, andgained his good-will: they were rapidly promoted.

  Time flew on, and in the year 1654 the court of France concluded analliance with Cromwell, and expelled King Charles from the Frenchfrontiers. The war was still carried on in the Netherlands. Turennebore down Conde, who had gained every campaign; and the court of Spain,wearied with reverses, made overtures of peace, which was gladlyaccepted by the French.

  During these wars, Cromwell had been named Protector, and had shortlyafterward died.

  Edward, who but rarely heard from Humphrey, was now anxious to quit thearmy and go to the king, who was in Spain; but to leave his colors,while things were adverse, was impossible.

  After the peace and the pardon of Conde by the French king, the armieswere disbanded, and the three adventurers were free. They took theirleave of the prince, who thanked them for their long and meritoriousservices; and they then hastened to King Charles, who had left Spainand come to the Low Countries. At the time of their joining the king,Richard, the son of Cromwell, who had been nominated Protector, hadresigned, and every thing was ready for the Restoration.

  On the 15th of May, 1660, the news arrived that Charles had beenproclaimed king on the 8th, and a large body of gentlemen went toinvite him over. The king sailed from Scheveling, was met at Dover byGeneral Monk, and conducted to London, which he entered amid theacclamations of the people, on the 29th of the same month.

  We may leave the reader to suppose that Edward, Chaloner, and Grenvillewere among the most favored of those in his train. As the processionmoved slowly along the Strand, through a countless multitude, thewindows of all the houses were filled with well-dressed ladies, whowaved their white kerchiefs to the king and his attendant suit.Chaloner, Edward, and Grenville, who rode side by side as gentlemen inwaiting, were certainly the most distinguished among the king's retinue.

  "Look, Edward," said Chaloner, "at those lovely girls at yon window. Doyou recognize them?"

  "Indeed I do not. Are they any of our Paris beauties?"

  "Why, thou insensible and unnatural animal! they are thy sisters, Aliceand Edith; and do you not recognize behind them my good auntsConynghame?"

  "It is so, I believe," replied Edward. "Yes, now that Edith smiles, I'msure it is them."

  "Yes," replied Grenville, "there can be no doubt of that; but willthey, think you, recognize us?"

  "We shall see," replied Edward, as they now approached within a fewyards of the window; for while they had been speaking the processionhad stopped.

  "Is it possible," thought Edward, "that these can be the two girls inrusset gowns, that I left at the cottage? And yet it must be. Well,Chaloner, to all appearance, your good aunts have done justice to theircharge."

  "Nature has done more, Edward. I never thought that they would havegrown into such lovely girls as they have, although I always thoughtthat they were handsome."

  As they passed, Edward caught the eye of Edith, and smiled.

  "Alice, that's Edward!" said Edith, so loud, as to be heard by theking, and all near him.

  Alice and Edith rose and waved their handkerchiefs, but they were soonobliged to cease, and put them to their eyes.

  "Are those your sisters, Edward?" said the king.

  "They are, your majesty."

  The king rose in his stirrups, and made a low obeisance to the windowwhere they were standing.

  "We shall have some court beauties, Beverley," said the king, lookingat him over his shoulder.

  As soon as the ceremonies were over, and they could escape from theirpersonal attentions, Edward and his two friends went to the house inwhich resided the Ladies Conynghame and his sisters.

  We pass over the joy of this meeting after so many years' absence, andthe pleasure which it gave to Edward to find his sisters grown suchaccomplished and elegant young women. That his two friends, who were,as the reader will recollect, old acquaintances of Alice and Edith,were warmly received, we hardly need say.

  "Now, Edward, who do you think was here to-day--the reigning belle, andthe toast of all the gentlemen?"

  "Indeed! I must be careful of my heart. Dear Edith, who is she?"

  "No less th
an one with whom you were formerly well acquainted,Edward--Patience Heatherstone."

  "Patience Heatherstone," cried Edward, "the toast of all London!"

  "Yes; and deservedly so, I can assure you; but she is as good as she ishandsome, and, moreover, treats all the gay gallants with perfectindifference. She is staying with her uncle, Sir Ashley Cooper; and herfather is also in town, for he called here with her to-day."

  "When did you hear from Humphrey, Edith?"

  "A few days back. He has left the cottage now, altogether."

  "Indeed? Where does he reside then?"

  "At Arnwood. The house has been rebuilt, and I understand is a veryprincely mansion. Humphrey has charge of it until it is ascertained towhom 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 longwhile ago."

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

  "Nay, dear brother, let us talk about it," said Alice, who had come upand overheard the latter portion of the conversation. "What is yourperplexity?"

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

  "That is to say, because all you wish for, your property and a womanyou love, are offered you in one lot, you will not accept them; theymust 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 can not blame. Accepting the property from Mr. Heatherstoneis receiving a favor were it given as a marriage portion with hisdaughter. Now, why should I accept as a favor what I can claim as aright! It is my intention of appealing to the king and demanding therestoration of my property. He can not refuse it."

  "Put not your trust in princes, brother," replied Alice. "I doubt ifthe king, or his council, will consider it advisable to make so manydiscontented as to restore property which has been so long held byothers, and by so doing create a host of enemies. Recollect also thatMr. Heatherstone, and his brother-in-law, Sir Ashley Cooper, have donethe king much more service than you ever have or can do. They have beenmost important agents in his restoration, and the king's obligations tothem are much greater than they are to you. Besides, merely for whatmay be called a point of honor, for it is no more, in what anunpleasant situation will you put his majesty! At all events, Edward,recollect you do not know what are the intentions of Mr. Heatherstone;wait and see what he proffers first."

  "But, my dear sister, it appears to me that his intentions are evident.Why has he rebuilt Arnwood? He is not going to surrender my propertyand make me a present of the house."

  "The reason for rebuilding the mansion was good. You were at the wars;it was possible that you might, or might not return. He said this toHumphrey, who has all along been acting as his factotum in thebusiness; and recollect, at the time that Mr. Heatherstone commencedthe rebuilding of the mansion, what prospect was there of therestoration of the king, or of your ever being in a position to applyfor the restoration of your property! I believe, however, that Humphreyknows more of Mr. Heatherstone's intentions than he has made known tous; and I therefore say again, my dear Edward, make no application tillyou ascertain what Mr. Heatherstone's intentions may be."

  "Your advice is good, my dear Alice, and I will be guided by it,"replied Edward.

  "And now let me give you some advice for your friends, Masters Chalonerand Grenville. That much of their property has been taken away and putinto other hands, I know; and probably they expect it will be restoredupon their application to the king. Those who hold the property thinkso too, and so far it is fortunate. Now, from wiser heads than mine, Ihave been told that these applications will not be acceded to, HM issupposed; but, at the same time, if they were to meet the parties, andclose with them at once, before the king's intentions are known, theywould recover their property at a third or a quarter of the value. Nowis their time: even a few days' delay may make a difference. They caneasily obtain a delay for the payment of the moneys. Impress that uponthem, my dear Edward, and let them, if possible, be off to theirestates to-morrow and make the arrangements."

  "That is advice which must be followed," replied Edward. "We must gonow, and I will not fail to communicate it to them this very night."

  We may as well here inform the reader that the advice was immediatelyacted upon, and that Chaloner and Grenville recovered all their estatesat about five years' purchase.

  Edward remained at court several days. He had written to Humphrey, andhad dispatched a messenger with the letter; but the messenger had notyet returned. The court was now one continual scene of fetes andgayety. On the following day a drawing-room was to be held, andEdward's sisters were to be presented. Edward was standing, with manyothers of the suit, behind the chair of the king, amusing himself withthe presentations as they took place, and waiting for the arrival ofhis sisters--Chaloner and Grenville were not with him, they hadobtained leave to go into the country, for the object we have beforereferred to--when his eyes caught, advancing toward the king, Mr.Heatherstone, who led his daughter, Patience. That they had notperceived him was evident; indeed her eyes were not raised once, fromthe natural timidity felt by a young woman in the presence of royalty.Edward half concealed himself behind one of his companions that hemight gaze upon her without reserve. She was indeed a lovely youngperson, but little altered, except having grown taller and more roundedand perfect in her figure; and her court-dress displayed proportionswhich her humble costume at the New Forest had concealed, or which timehad not matured. There was the same pensive, sweet expression in herface, which had altered little; but the beautiful rounded arms, thesymmetrical fall of the shoulders, and the proportion of the wholefigure was a surprise to him; and Edward, in his own mind, agreed thatshe might well be the reigning toast of the day.

  Mr. Heatherstone advanced and made his obeisance, and then his daughterwas led forward, and introduced by a lady unknown to Edward. After hehad saluted her, the king said, loud enough for Edward to hear,

  "My obligations to your father are great. I trust that the daughterwill often grace our court."

  Patience made no reply, but passed on; and, soon afterward, Edward lostsight of her in the crowd.

  If there ever had been any check to Edward's feelings towardPatience--and time and absence have their effect upon the most ardentof lovers--the sight of her so resplendent in beauty acted upon himlike magic; and he was uneasy till the ceremony was over and he wasenabled to go to his sisters.

  When he entered the room, he found himself in the arms of Humphrey, whohad arrived with the messenger. After the greetings were over, Edwardsaid,

  "Alice and I have seen Patience, and I fear I must surrender atdiscretion. Mr. Heatherstone may make his own terms; I must wave allpride rather than lose her. I thought that I had more control overmyself; but I have seen her, and feel that my future happiness dependsupon obtaining her as a wife. Let her father but give me her, andArnwood will be but a trifle in addition!"

  "With respect to the conditions upon which you are to possess Arnwood,"said Humphrey, "I can inform you what they are. They are whollyunshackled, further than that you are to repay by installments themoney expended in the building of the house. This I am empowered tostate to you, and I think you will allow that Mr. Heatherstone hasfully acted up to what he stated were his views when he first obtaineda grant of the property."

  "He has, indeed," replied Edward.

/>   "As for his daughter, Edward, you have yet to 'win her and wear her,'as the saying is. Her father will resign the property to you as yoursby right, but you have no property in his daughter, and I suspect thatshe will not be quite so easily handed over to you."

  "But why should you say so, Humphrey? Have we not been attached fromour youth?"

  "Yes, it was a youthful passion, I grant; but recollect nothing came ofit, and years have passed away. It is now seven years since you quittedthe forest, and in your letters to Mr. Heatherstone you made no remarkupon what had passed between you and Patience. Since that, you havenever corresponded or sent any messages; and you can hardly expect thata girl, from the age of seventeen to twenty-four, will cherish theimage of one, who, to say the least, had treated her with indifference.That is my view of the matter, Edward. It may be wrong."

  "And it may be true," replied Edward, mournfully.

  "Well, my view is different," replied Edith. "You know, Humphrey, howmany offers Patience Heatherstone has had, and has every day, I maysay. Why has she refused them all I In my opinion, because she has beenconstant to a proud brother of mine, who does not deserve her!"

  "It may be so, Edith," replied Humphrey. "Women are riddles--I onlyargued upon the common sense of the thing."

  "Much you know about women," replied Edith. "To be sure, you do notmeet many in the New Forest, where you have lived all your life."

  "Very true, my dear sister; perhaps that is the reason that the NewForest 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 aretreat.

  "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; "andyet I hardly know how to explain to him."

  "Say nothing, but meet him cordially; that will be explanationsufficient."

  "I shall meet him as one whom I shall always revere and feel that I owea deep debt of gratitude. What must he think of my not having calledupon him!"

  "Nothing. You hold a place at court. You may not have known that he wasin London, as you have never met him; your coming with me will make itappear so. Tell him that I have just made known to you his noble anddisinterested conduct."

  "You are right--I will. I fear, however, Humphrey, that you are rightand Edith wrong as regards his daughter."

  "Nay, Edward, recollect that I have, as Edith observed, passed my lifein the woods."

  Edward was most kindly received by Mr. Heatherstone. Edward, on Mr.Heatherstone repeating to him his intentions relative to Arnwood,expressed his sense of that gentleman's conduct, simply adding--

  "You may think me impetuous, sir, but I trust you will believe megrateful."

  Patience colored up and trembled when Edward first saw her. Edward didnot refer to the past for some time after they had renewed theiracquaintance. He wooed her again, and won her. Then all was explained.

  About a year after the Restoration, there was a fete at Hampton Court,given in honor of three marriages taking place--Edward Beverley toPatience Heatherstone, Chaloner to Alice, and Grenville to Edith; and,as his majesty himself said, as he gave away the brides, "Could loyaltybe better rewarded?"

  But our young readers will not be content if they do not hear someparticulars about the other personages who have appeared in our littlehistory. Humphrey must take the first place. His love of farmingcontinued. Edward gave him a large farm, rent free; and in a few yearsHumphrey saved up sufficient to purchase a property for himself. Hethen married Clara Ratcliffe, who has not appeared lately on the scene,owing to her having been, about two years before the Restoration,claimed by an elderly relation, who lived in the country, and whoseinfirm state of health did not permit him to quit the house. He lefthis property to Clara, about a year after her marriage to Humphrey. Thecottage in the New Forest was held by, and eventually made over to,Pablo, who became a very steady character, and in the course of timemarried a young girl from Arnwood, and had a houseful of young gipsies.Oswald, so soon as Edward came down to Arnwood, gave up his place inthe New Forest, and lived entirely with Edward as his steward; andPhoebe also went to Arnwood, and lived to a good old age, in thecapacity of housekeeper, her temper becoming rather worse than betteras she advanced in years.

  This is all that we have been able to collect relative to the severalparties; and so now we must say farewell.

  THE END.