I bethink me that I saw thee at the fight
of Worcester, on the part of the man Charles Stuart." Here Diggory
judged it prudent to slink away through the back door. "And so,"
continued the Puritan corporal, as he swept the silver into his
pouch, "and so the gains of iniquity fall into the hands of the
righteous!"
In the meantime Edmund and Walter had been conducted up stairs to
Walter's bed-room, and there locked in, a sentinel standing outside
the door. No sooner were they there than Walter swung himself round
with a gesture of rage and despair. "The villains! the rogues! To
be betrayed by such a wretch, who has eaten our bread all his life.
O Edmund, Edmund!"
"It is a most unusual, as well as an unhappy chance," returned
Edmund. "Hitherto it has generally happened that servants have given
remarkable proofs of fidelity. Of course this fellow can have no
attachment for me; but I should have thought my mother's gentle
kindness must have won the love of all who came near her, both for
herself and all belonging to her."
A recollection crossed Walter: he stood for a few moments in
silence, then suddenly exclaimed, "The surly rascal! I verily
believe it was all spite at me, for--"
"For--" repeated Edmund.
"For rating him as he deserved," answered Walter. "I wish I had
given it to him more soundly, traitor as he is.
Pages:
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93