Frederick Marryat

“ May I request another favour of you?"
"Certainly, if it is in my power to do as you wish."
"It is this," said she, in a low voice: "that you will not hastily reject any overtures which may be made to you by my father; that is all. And now let me go in and see your sisters, for my father has praised them very much, and I wish to know them." ”

“ They are as wild as deer and as fleet as the wind, and you cannot catch them in a pit-fall."
"I know that, good brother; but all I can say is, that I will try what I can do, and I can do no more -- but not at present, for I am too busy."
Three days after this conversation Oswald Partridge made his appearance, having been sent by the Intendant to tell Edward that he should come over on the following day to take away little Clara.
"And how is she to go?" said Edward.
"He will bring a little nag for her, if she can ride -- if she cannot, she must ride in the cart which will come for the baggage." ”

“ Edward shook Clara by the hand, and the cavalcade set off. They all remained outside of the cottage till the party were at some distance, and then Edward walked apart with Humphrey, to communicate to him the offer made by the Intendant, and ask his opinion.
"My opinion is made up, Edward; which is, that you should accept it immediately. You are under no obligation to the government, and you have already conferred such an obligation upon the Intendant that you have a right to expect a return. Why stay here, when you can safely mix with the world and know how things are going on? ”

“ It seems that the Ratcliffe property is sequestrated, but not yet granted to any one; and the Parliament will most likely, as soon as she is old enough, give her as a wife, with the property, to one of their party, -- they have done it before now, as it secures the property under all changes."
"I perceive," replied Edward. "When did you hear that the little girl was to live with him?" ”

“ I will not force you away, but remember, you are born a lady, and must be brought up and educated as a lady, which cannot be the case in this cottage, although they are very kind to you, and very nice young people. You do not recollect me, Clara, but you have often sat on my knee when you were a little girl, and when your father lived in Dorsetshire. ”

“ The king was obstinate, the people resolute, until virulent warfare inflamed both parties, and neither would listen to reason; and the people gained the upper hand, they wreaked their vengeance, instead of looking to the dictates of humanity and justice. ”

“ I am in love with little Clara."
"Not a bad choice, Humphrey: we both aspire high, for two young foresters, do we not? However, they say 'Every dog has his day,' and Cromwell and his parliament may have theirs. King Charles may be on his throne again now, long before -- you catch a forest pony, Humphrey."
"I hope he will, Edward: but recollect how you laughed at the idea of my catching a cow -- you may be surprised a second time. 'Where there is a will there is a way,' the saying is. But I must go and help Alice with the heifer ”

“ You will be near to your family here in the cottage, and be able to protect them and assist them; and what is more, you will mix with the world and know what is going on, as I am in the confidence of the government. ”

“ His presence would, I think, induce thousands to flock to him, -- I'm sure that it would me."
"I am very glad of this good intelligence with the Intendant, Edward, as it will not now be necessary for us to be so careful; we may go and come when we please. I almost wish you could be persuaded to accept any eligible offer he may make you. Many no doubt are in office, and serving the present government, who have the same feelings as the Intendant, or even feelings as strong as your own."
"I cannot bear the idea of accepting anything from them or their instruments, Humphrey ”