The Children of the New Forest

by Frederick Marryat

  CHAPTER XVIII.

  "Edward," said Edith, "scold Pablo; he has been ill-treating my poorcat; he is a cruel boy."

  Pablo laughed.

  "See, Edward, he's laughing; put him in the pitfall again, and let himstay there till he says he's sorry."

  "I very sorry now, Missy Edith--but cat bite me," said Pablo.

  "Well, if pussy did, it didn't hurt you much; and what did I tell youthis morning out of the Bible?--that you must forgive them who behaveill to you."

  "Yes, Missy Edith, you tell me all that, and so I do; I forgive pussy'cause she bite me, but I kick her for it."

  "That's not forgiveness, is it, Edward? You should have forgiven it atonce, and not kicked it at all."

  "Miss Edith, when pussy bite me, pussy hurt me, make me angry, and Igive her a kick; then I think what you tell me, and I do as you tellme. I forgive pussy with all my heart."

  "I think you must forgive Pablo, Edith," said Edward, "if it is only toset him a good example."

  "Well, I will this time; but if he kicks pussy again he must be put inthe pitfall--mind that, Pablo."

  "Yes, Missy Edith, I go into pitfall, and then you cry, and ask MasterEdward to take me out. When you have me put in pitfall, then you notgood Christian, 'cause you not forgive; when you cry and take me out,then you good Christian once more."

  By this conversation it will appear to the reader that they had beentrying to impress Pablo with the principles of the Christianreligion--and such was the case; Edith having been one of the mostactive in the endeavor, although very young for a missionary. However,Alice and Humphrey had been more successful, and Pablo was nowbeginning to comprehend what they had attempted to instill, and wasreally progressing dayly.

  Edward remained at the cottage, expecting to bear some message from theintendant. He was right in his conjecture, for, on the third day,Oswald Partridge came over to say that the intendant would be happy tosee him, if he could make it convenient to go over; which Edwardassented to do on the following day. Oswald had ridden over on a pony;Edward arranged to take Billy and return with him. They started earlythe next morning, and Edward asked Oswald if he knew why the intendanthad sent for him.

  "Not exactly," replied Oswald; "but I think, from what I heard MissPatience say, it is to offer you some situation, if you could beprevailed upon to accept it."

  "Very true," replied Edward; "he offers me the post of secretary. Whatdo you think?"

  "Why, sir, I think I would accept it; at all events, I would take it ontrial--there can be no harm done. If you do not like it, you can onlygo back to the cottage again. One thing I am sure of, which is, thatMaster Heatherstone will make it as pleasant to you as he can, for heis most anxious to serve you."

  "That I really believe," replied Edward; "and I have pretty well madeup my mind to accept the office. It is a post of confidence, and Ishall know all that is going on, which I can not do while I am secludedin the forest; and, depend upon it, we shall have stirring news."

  "I suppose you think that the king will come over," replied Oswald.

  "I feel certain of it, Oswald; and that is the reason why I want to bewhere I can know all that is going on."

  "Well, sir, it is my opinion that the king will come over, as well asyours; yet I think at present he stands but a poor chance; but MasterHeatherstone knows more on that score than any one, I should think; buthe is very close."

  The conversation then changed, and, after a ride of eight hours, theyarrived at the intendant's house. Edward gave Billy into Oswald'scharge, and knocked at the door. Phoebe let him in, and asked him intothe sitting-room, where he found the intendant alone.

  "Edward Armitage, I am glad to see you, and shall be still more so if Ifind that you have made up your mind to accept my proposition. What isyour reply?"

  "I am very thankful to you for the offer, sir," replied Edward, "andwill accept it if you think that I am fitting for it, and if I findthat I am equal to it; I can but give it a trial, and leave if I findit too arduous or too irksome."

  "Too arduous it shall not be--that shall be my concern; and too irksomeI hope you will not find it. My letters are not so many but that Icould answer them myself, were it not that my eyes are getting weak,and I wish to save them as much as possible. You will therefore have towrite chiefly what I shall dictate; but it is not only for that Irequire a person that I can confide in. I very often shall send you toLondon instead of going myself, and to that I presume you will have noobjection!"

  "Certainly none, sir."

  "Well, then, it is no use saying any more just now; you will have achamber in this house, and you will live with me, and at my tablealtogether. Neither shall I say any thing just now about remuneration,as I am convinced that you will be satisfied. All that I require nowis, to know the day that you will come, that every thing may be ready."

  "I suppose, sir, I must change my attire?" replied Edward, looking athis forester's dress; "that will hardly accord with the office ofsecretary."

  "I agree with you that it will be better to keep that dress for yourforest excursions, as I presume you will not altogether abandon them,"replied the intendant. "You can provide yourself with a suit atLymington. I will furnish you the means."

  "I thank you, sir, I have means, much more than sufficient," repliedEdward, "although not quite so wealthy as little Clara appeared to be."

  "Wealthy, indeed!" replied the intendant. "I had no idea that poorRatcliffe possessed so much ready money and jewels. Well, then, this isWednesday; can you come over next Monday?"

  "Yes, sir," replied Edward; "I see no reason to the contrary."

  "Well, then, that is settled, and I suppose you would like to see youraccommodation. Patience and Clara are in the next room. You can jointhem, and you will make my daughter very happy by telling her that youare to become a resident with us. You will, of course, dine with usto-day, and sleep here to-night."

  Mr. Heatherstone then opened the door, and saying to his daughterPatience, "My dear, I leave you to entertain Edward Armitage tilldinner time," he ushered Edward in, and closed the door again. Clararan up to Edward as soon as he went in, and having kissed him, Edwardthen took Patience's offered hand.

  "Then you have consented?" said Patience, inquiringly.

  "Yes, I could not refuse such kindness," replied Edward.

  "And when do you come?"

  "On Monday night, if I can be ready by that time."

  "Why, what have you to get ready?" said Clara.

  "I must not appear in a forester's dress, my little Clara. I can wearthat with a gun in my hand, but not with a pen: so I must go toLymington and see what a tailor can do for me."

  "You will feel as strange in a secretary's dress as I did in boys'clothes," said Clara. "Perhaps I may," said Edward, although he feltthat such would not be the case, having been accustomed to much betterclothes when at Arnwood than what were usually worn by secretaries; andthis remembrance brought back Arnwood in its train, and Edward becamesilent and pensive.

  Patience observed it, and after a time said--

  "You will be able to watch over your sisters, Mr. Armitage, as wellhere, almost, as if you were at the cottage. You do not return tillto-morrow? How did you come over?"

  "I rode the pony Billy, Mistress Patience."

  "Why do you call her Mistress Patience, Edward?" said Clara. "You callme Clara; why not call her Patience?"

  "You forget that I am only a forester, Clara," replied Edward, with agrave smile.

  "No, you are a secretary now," replied Clara.

  "Mistress Patience is older than you by several years. I call youClara, because you are but a little girl; but I must not take thatliberty with Mistress Heatherstone."

  "Do you think so, Patience?" said Clara.

  "I certainly do not think that it would be a liberty in a person, afterbeing well acquainted with me, to call me Patience," replied she;"especially when that person lives in the house with us, eats andassociates with us as one of the family, and is recei
ved on anequality; but I dare say, Clara, that Master Armitage will be guided byhis own feelings, and act as he considers to be proper."

  "But you give him leave, and then it is proper," replied Clara.

  "Yes, if he gave himself leave, Clara," said Patience. "But we will nowshow him his own room, Clara," continued Patience, wishing to changethe subject of conversation. "Will you follow us, sir?" said Patience,with a little mock ceremony.

  Edward did so without replying, and was ushered into a large airy room,very neatly furnished.

  "This is your future lodging," said Patience; "I hope you will like it."

  "Why, he never saw any thing like it before," said Clara.

  "Yes I have, Clara," replied Edward.

  "Where did you?"

  "At Arnwood; the apartments were on a much larger scale."

  "Arnwood! oh yes, I have heard my father speak of it," said Clara, withthe tears starting in her eyes at his memory. "Yes, it was burned down,and all the children burned to death!"

  "So they say, Clara; but I was not there when it was burned."

  "Where were you then?"

  "I was at the cottage where I now live." Edward turned round toPatience, and perceived that her eyes were fixed upon him, as if shewould have read his thoughts. Edward smiled, and said--

  "Do you doubt what I say?"

  "No, indeed!" said she, "I have no doubt that you were at the cottageat the time; but I was thinking that if the apartments at Arnwood weremore splendid, those at your cottage are less comfortable. You havebeen used to better and to worse, and therefore will, I trust, becontent with these."

  "I trust I have shown no signs of discontent. I should indeed bedifficult to please if an apartment like this did not suit me. Besides,allow me to observe, that although I stated that the apartments atArnwood were on a grander scale, I never said that I had ever been apossessor of one of them."

  Patience smiled and made no reply.

  "Now that you know your way to your apartment, Master Armitage, wewill, if you please, go back to the sitting-room," said she. As theywere going back into the sitting-room, she said--

  "When you come over on Monday, you will, I presume, bring your clothesin a cart? I ask it, because I promised some flowers and other thingsto your sisters, which I can send back by the cart."

  "You are very kind to think of them, Mistress Patience," repliedEdward; "they are fond of flowers, and will be much pleased withpossessing any."

  "You sleep here to-night, I think my father said?" inquired Patience.

  "He did make the proposal, and I shall gladly avail myself of it, as Iam not to trust to Phoebe's ideas of comfort this time," said Edward,smiling.

  "Yes, that was a cross action of Phoebe's; and I can tell you, MasterArmitage, that she is ashamed to look you in the face ever since; buthow fortunate for me that she was cross, and turned you out as she did!You must forgive her, as she was the means of your performing a nobleaction; and I must forgive her, as she was the means of my life beingsaved."

  "I have no feeling except kindness toward Phoebe," replied Edward;"indeed I ought to feel grateful to her; for if she had not given me sobad a bed that night, I never should have been so comfortably lodged asit is proposed that I shall be now."

  "I hope you are hungry, Edward," said Clara; "dinner is almost ready."

  "I dare say I shall eat more than you do, Clara."

  "So you ought, a great big man like you. How old are you, Edward?" saidClara; "I am thirteen; Patience is past sixteen: now, how old are you?"

  "I am not yet eighteen, Clara, so that I can hardly be called a man."

  "Why, you are as tall as Mr. Heatherstone."

  "Yes, I believe I am."

  "And can't you do every thing that a man can do?"

  "I really don't know; but I certainly shall always try so to do."

  "Well, then, you must be a man."

  "Well, Clara, if it pleases you, I will be a man."

  "Here comes Mr. Heatherstone, so I know dinner is ready; is it not,sir?"

  "Yes, my child, it is," replied Mr. Heatherstone, kissing Clara, "solet us all go in."

  Mr. Heatherstone, as was usual at that time with the people to whoseparty he ostensibly belonged, said a grace before meat, of considerablelength, and then they sat down to table. As soon as the repast wasover, Mr. Heatherstone returned to his study, and Edward went out tofind Oswald Partridge, with whom he remained the larger portion of theafternoon, going to the kennel and examining the dogs, and talking ofmatters connected with the chase.

  "I have not two men that can stalk a deer," observed Oswald "the menappointed here as verderers and keepers have not one of them beenbrought up to the business. Most of them are men who have been in thearmy, and I believe have been appointed to these situations to get ridof them because they were troublesome; and they are any thing but goodcharacters: the consequence is, that we kill but few deer, for I haveso much to attend to here, as none of them know their duties, that Ican seldom take my own gun out. I stated so to the intendant, and hesaid that if you accepted an offer he had made you, and came over here,we should not want venison; so it is clear that he does not expect youto have your pen always in your hand."

  "I am glad to hear that," replied Edward; "depend upon it, his owntable, at all events, shall be well supplied. Is not that fellowCorbould, who is leaning against the wall?"

  "Yes; he is to be discharged as he can not walk well, and the surgeonsays he will always limp. He owes you a grudge, and I am glad that heis going away, for he is a dangerous man. But the sun is setting, Mr.Edward, and supper will soon be on the table; you had better go back tothe house."

  Edward bade Oswald farewell, and returned to the intendant's, and foundthat Oswald was correct, as supper was being placed on the table.

  Soon after supper, Phoebe and the men-servants were summoned, andprayers offered up by the intendant, after which Patience and Clararetired. Edward remained in conversation with the intendant for aboutan hour, and then was conducted by him to his room, which had alreadybeen shown to him by Patience.

  Edward did not sleep much that night. The novelty of his situation--thenovelty of his prospects, and his speculations thereon, kept him awaketill near morning: he was, however, up in good time, and havingassisted at the morning prayers, and afterward eaten a most substantialbreakfast, he took his leave of the intendant and the two girls, andset off on his return to the cottage, having renewed his promise ofcoming on the following Monday to take up his abode with them. Billywas fresh, and cantered gayly along, so that Edward was back early inthe afternoon, and once more welcomed by his household. He stated toHumphrey all that had occurred, and Humphrey was much pleased at Edwardhaving accepted the offer of the intendant. Alice and Edith did notquite so much approve of it, and a few tears were shed at the idea ofEdward leaving the cottage. The next day, Edward and Humphrey set offfor Lymington, with Billy in the cart.

  "Do you know, Edward," said Humphrey, "what I am going to try andpurchase? I will tell you: as many kids as I can, or goats and kids, Idon't care which."

  "Why, have you not stock enough already? You will this year have fourcows in milk, and you have two cow calves bringing up."

  "That is very true; but I do not intend to have goats for their milk,but simply for eating in lieu of mutton. Sheep I can not manage, butgoats, with a little hay in winter, will do well, and will findthemselves in the forest all the year round. I won't kill any of thefemales for the first year or two, and after that I expect we shallhave a flock sufficient to meet any demand upon it."

  "It is not a bad idea, Humphrey; they will always come home if you havehay for them during the winter."

  "Yes, and a large shed for them to lie in when the snow is on theground."

  "Now I recollect, when we used to go to Lymington, I saw a great manygoats, and I have no doubt that they are to be purchased. I will soonascertain that for you, from the landlord of the hostelry," repliedEdward. "We will drive there first, as I must ask him
to recommend meto a tailor."

  On their arrival at Lymington, they went straight to the hostelry, andfound the landlord at home. He recommended a tailor to Edward, who sentfor him to the inn, and was measured by him for a plain suit of darkcloth. Edward and Humphrey then went out, as Edward had to procureboots, and many other articles of dress, to correspond with the onewhich he was about to assume.

  "I am most puzzled about a hat, Humphrey," said Edward: "I hate thosesteeple-crowned hats worn by the Roundheads; yet the hat and feather isnot proper for a secretary."

  "I would advise you to submit to wear the steeple-crowned hats,nevertheless," said Humphrey. "Your dress, as I consider, is a sort ofdisgrace to a Cavalier born, and the heir of Arnwood; why not,therefore, take its hat as well? As secretary to the intendant, youshould dress like him; if not, you may occasion remarks, especiallywhen you travel on his concerns."

  "You are right, Humphrey, I must not do things by halves; and unless Iwear the hat, I might be suspected."

  "I doubt if the intendant wears it for any other reason," said Humphrey.

  "At all events, I will not go to the height of the fashion," repliedEdward, laughing. "Some of the hats are not quite so tall as theothers."

  "Here is the shop for the hat and for the sword-belt."

  Edward chose a hat and a plain sword-belt, paid for them, and desiredthe man to carry them to the hostelry.

  While all these purchases on the part of Edward, and many others byHumphrey, such as nails, saws, tools, and various articles which Alicerequired for the household, were gathered together, the landlord hadsent out to inquire for the goats, and found out at what price theywere to be procured. Humphrey left Edward to put away these in thecart, while he went out a second time to see the goats; he made anagreement with the man who had them for sale, for a male and threefemales with two kids each at their sides, and ten more female kidswhich had just been weaned. The man engaged to drive them fromLymington as far as the road went into the forest, on the followingday, when Humphrey would meet them, pay him his money, and drive themto the cottage, which would be only three miles from the place agreedupon. Having settled that satisfactorily, he returned to Edward, whowas all ready, and they went back home.

  "We have dipped somewhat into the bag to-day, Edward," said Humphrey,"but the money is well spent."

  "I think so, Humphrey; but I have no doubt that I shall be able toreplace the money very soon, as the intendant will pay me for myservices. The tailor has promised the clothes on Saturday without fail,so that you or I must go for them."

  "I will go, Edward; my sisters will wish you to stay with them now, asyou are so soon to leave them; and I will take Pablo with me, that hemay know his way to the town; and I will show him where to buy things,in case he goes there by himself."

  "It appears to me to have been a most fortunate thing, your havingcaught Pablo as you did, Humphrey, for I do not well know how I couldhave left you, if you had not."

  "At all events, I can do much better without you than I should havedone," replied Humphrey; "although I think now that I could get on bymyself; but still, Edward, you know we can not tell what a day maybring forth, and I might fall sick, or something happen which mightprevent my attending to any thing; and then, without you or Pablo,every thing might have gone to rack and ruin. Certainly, when we thinkhow we were left, by the death of old Jacob, to our own resources, wehave much to thank God for, in having got on so well."

  "I agree with you, and also that it has pleased Heaven to grant us allsuch good health. However, I shall be close at hand if you want me, andOswald will always call and see how you get on."

  "I hope you will manage that he calls once a-week."

  "I will if I can, Humphrey, for I shall be just as anxious as you areto know if all goes on well. Indeed, I shall insist upon coming over toyou once a-fortnight; and I hardly think the intendant will refuseme--indeed, I am sure that he will not."

  "So am I," replied Humphrey. "I am certain that he wishes us all well,and has, in a measure, taken us under his protection; but, Edward,recollect, I shall never kill any venison after this, and so you maytell the intendant."

  "I will, and that will be an excuse for him to send some over, if hepleases. Indeed, as I know I shall be permitted to go out with Oswald,it will be hard if a stray buck does not find its way to the cottage."

  Thus did they continue talking over matters till they arrived at thecottage. Alice came out to them, saying to Humphrey,

  "Well, Humphrey, have you brought my geese and ducks?"

  Humphrey had forgotten them, but he replied, "You must wait till I goto Lymington again on Saturday, Alice, and then I hope to bring themwith me. As it is, look how poor Billy is loaded. Where's Pablo?"

  "In the garden. He has been working there all day, and Edith is withhim."

  "Well, then, we will unload the cart, while you get us something toeat, Alice, for we are not a little hungry. I can tell you."

  "I have some rabbit-stew on the fire, Humphrey, all ready for you, andyou will find it very good."

  "Nothing I like better, my dear girl. Pablo won't thank me for bringingthis home," continued Humphrey, taking the long saw out of the cart;"he will have to go to the bottom of the pit again, as soon as the pitis made."

  The cart was soon unloaded, Billy taken out and turned out to feed, andthen they went in to the supper.

  Humphrey was off the next morning, with Pablo, at an early hour, tomeet the farmer of whom he had purchased the goats and kids. He foundthem punctual to the time, at the place agreed upon; and beingsatisfied with the lot, paid the farmer his money, and drove them homethrough the forest.

  "Goat very good, kid better; always eat kid in Spain," said Pablo.

  "Were you born in Spain, Pablo?"

  "Not sure, but I think so. First recollect myself in that country."

  "Do you recollect your father?"

  "No; never see him."

  "Did your mother never talk about him?"

  "Call her mother, but think no mother at all. Custom with Gitanas."

  "Why did you call her mother?"

  "'Cause she feed me when little, beat me when I get big."

  "All mothers do that. What made you come to England?"

  "I don't know, but I hear people say, plenty of money inEngland--plenty to eat--plenty to drink; bring plenty money back toSpain."

  "How long have you been in England?"

  "One, two, three year; yes, three year and a bit."

  "Which did you like best--England or Spain?"

  "When with my people, like Spain best; warm sun--warm night. England,little sun, cold night, much rain, snow, and air always cold; but now Ilive with you, have warm bed, plenty victuals, like England best."

  "But when you were with the gipsies, they stole every thing, did theynot?"

  "Not steal every thing," replied Pablo, laughing; "sometimes take andno pay when nobody there; farmer look very sharp--have big dog."

  "Did you ever go out to steal?"

  "Make me go out. Not bring back something, beat me very hard; supposefarmer catch me, beat hard too; nothing but beat, beat, beat."

  "Then they obliged you to steal?"

  "Suppose bring nothing home, first beat, and then not have to eat forone, two, three days. How you like that, Master Humphrey? I think yousteal, after no victuals for three days!"

  "I should hope not," replied Humphrey, "although I have never been soseverely punished: and I hope, Pablo, you will never steal any more."

  "Why steal any more?" replied Pablo. "I not like to steal, but becausehungry I steal. Now, I never hungry, always have plenty to eat; no onebeat me now; sleep warm all night. Why I steal, then? No, MasterHumphrey, I never steal more, 'cause I have no reason why, and 'causeMissy Alice and Edith tell me how the good God up there say must notsteal."

  "I am glad to hear you give that as a reason, Pablo," replied Humphrey,"as it proves that my sisters have not been teaching you in vain."

  "Like to hear Mis
sy Alice talk; she talk grave. Missy Edith talk too,but she laugh very much; very fond Missy Edith, very happy little girl;jump about just like one of these kids we drive home; always merry.Hah! see cottage now; soon get home, Massa Humphrey. Missy Edith likesee kids very much. Where we put them?"