"Better than a prison," he answered. "I only wish I knew that others
were in as good a one. And you--why, Rose, how you are altered; you
are my young lady now! And how does my dear mother?"
"Pretty well. I could hardly prevail on her not to come here to-
night; but it would have been too much, she is so weak, and takes
cold so soon. But, Edmund, how pale you are, how weary! Have you
slept? I fear not, on these hard boards--your wound, too."
"It hardly deserves such a dignified name as a wound," said Edmund.
"I am more hungry than aught else; I could have slept but for hunger,
and now"--as he spoke he was opening the basket--"I shall be lodged
better, I fear, than a king, with that famous cloak. What a notable
piece of pasty! Well done, Rose! Are you housewife? Store of
candles, too. This is noble!"
"How hungry you must be! How long is it since you have eaten?"
"Grey sent his servant into a village to buy some bread and cheese;
we divided it when we parted, and it lasted me until this morning.
Since then I have fasted."
"Dear brother, I wish I could do more for you; but till Mr. Enderby
goes, I cannot, for the soldiers are about the kitchen, and our maid,
Deborah, talks too much to be trustworthy, though she is thoroughly
faithful."
"This is excellent fare," said Edmund, eating with great relish.
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