The Children of the New Forest - Chapter 19

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter nineteen of the Children of the New Forest by
Captain Frederick Marriott. This Librevot's recording is in the public
domain recording by Nick Whitley, Purly, United Kingdom, Chapter nineteen.
We will put them into the yard for the present.
I mean that hold Fast shall take charge of them

(00:22):
by and by. I will soon teach him. Yes, he
take charge of coat or anything. I tell him, why
not take charge of goats? Clever dog, hold Fast, Massa Humphrey.
You think Massa Edward take away both his dogs, Smoker
and Watch. I say better not take puppy. Take Smoker

(00:46):
and leave puppy. I agree with you, Pablo, we ought
to have two dogs here. I will speak to my brother.
Now run forward and open the gate of the yard
and throw them some hay, Pablo, while I go and
call my sisters. The flock of goats were much admired,
and the next morning were driven out into the forest

(01:08):
to feed, attended by Pablo and hold Fast. When it
was dinner time, Pablo drove the flock near to the cottage,
telling the dog to mind them. The sensible animal remained
at once with the goats until Pablo's return from dinner,
and it may be as well to observe here that
in a few days the dog took charge of them

(01:30):
all together, driving them home to the yard every evening,
and as soon as the goats were put into the yard,
the dog had his supper. And the dog took care
therefore not to be too late to return to our narrative.
On Saturday, Humphrey and Pablo went to Lymington to bring
home Edward's clothes, and Humphrey made Pablo acquainted with all

(01:54):
that he wanted to know, in case it might be
necessary to send Pablo there alone. Edward remained with his
sisters as he was to leave them on the Monday.
Sunday was past. As usual, they read the service at
Old Armitage's grave, and afterward they walked in the forest,
For Sunday was the only day on which Alice could

(02:16):
find time to leave her duties in the cottage. They
were not more grave than usual at the idea of
Edward's leaving them, but they kept up their spirits, as
they were aware that it was for the advantage of all.
On Monday morning, Edward, to please his sisters, put on
his new clothes and put his forester's dress in the

(02:36):
bundle with his linen. Alice and Edith thought he looked
very well in them, and said that it reminded them
of the days of Arnwood. The fact was that Edward
appeared as he was a gentleman born that could not
well be concealed under a forester's dress, and in his
present attire, it was undeniable to breakfast. Billy was harnessed

(03:02):
and brought to the cottage door. Edward's linen was put
in the cart, and as he had agreed with Humphrey,
he took only smoker with him, leaving the puppy at
the cottage. Pablo went with him to bring back the cart.
Edward kissed his sisters, who wept at the idea of
his leaving them, and shaking hands with Humphrey, he set

(03:26):
off to cross the forest. Who would ever have believed this?
Thought Edward as he drove across the forest, that I
should put myself under the roof and under the protection
of a round head one in outward appearance, and in
the opinion of the world, at least, if he is
not so altogether in opinions, there is surely some spell

(03:50):
upon me, and I almost feel as if I were
a traitor to my principles. Why I know not I
feel a regard for that man and a confidence in him,
And why should I not. He knows my principles, my
feelings against his party, and he respects them. Surely he
cannot wish to gain me over to his party that

(04:14):
were indeed ridiculous, A young forester, a youth unknown. No,
he would gain nothing by that, for I am nobody.
It must be from good will and no other feeling.
I have obliged him in the service I rendered his daughter,
and he is grateful. Perhaps, had Edward put the question

(04:36):
to himself, should I have been on such friendly terms
with the intendant? Should I have accepted his offer? If
there had been no patience Heatherstone, he might then have
discovered what was the spell upon him which had rendered
him so tractable. But of that he had no idea.
He only felt that his situation would be rendered more

(04:58):
comfortable by the society of an amiable and handsome girl,
and he inquired no further. His reverie was broken by Pablo,
who appeared tired of holding his tongue and said, massa, Edward,
you not like to leave home. You think very much
why you go there? I certainly do not like to

(05:21):
leave home, Pablo, for I am very fond of my
brother and sisters. But we cannot always do as we
wish in this world, and it is for their sakes
more than from my own inclinations that I have done.
So can't see what good you do Missy Alice and
Missy Edith. Cause you go away, how it possible do

(05:42):
good and not with them. Suppose bad accident and you away,
how you do good. Suppose bad accident and you at cottage,
then you do good. I think, Massa Edward, you very foolish.
Edward laughed at this blunt observation of Pablo's and replied,

(06:02):
it is very true, Pablo, that I cannot watch over
my sisters and protect them in person when I am away.
But there are reasons why I should go nevertheless, and
I may be more useful to them by going than
by remaining with them. If I did not think so,
I would not leave them. They know nobody and have

(06:23):
no friends in the world. Suppose anything was to happen
to me, Suppose both Humphrey and I were to die,
For you know that we never know how soon that
event may take place. Who would there be to protect
my poor sisters and what would become of them? Is
it not therefore wise that I should procure friends for

(06:45):
them in case of accident, who would look after them
and protect them. And it is my hope that by
leaving them now, I shall make powerful and kind friends
for them. Do you understand me? Yes? I see now
you think more than me, Massa Edward, I say, just now,

(07:07):
you foolish, I say, now, Pablo grateful. Besides, Pablo recollect
that I never would have left them as long as
there was only Humphrey and I to look after them,
because an accident might have happened to one of us.
But when you came to live with us, and I
found what a good clever boy you were, and that

(07:28):
you were fond of us, all I then said, now
I can leave my sisters for Pablo shall take my
place and assist Humphrey to do what is required and
to take care of them. Am I not right, Pablo? Yes,
Massa Edward replied Pablo, taking hold of Edward's wrist. You
quite right, Pablo does love Missy Alice, Missy Edith, Massa,

(07:51):
Humphrey and you, Massa Edward. He love you all very much, indeed,
he love you so much that he'd die for you
can do no more. That is what I really thought
of you, Pablo, And yet I am glad to hear
of it from your own mouth. If you had not
come to live with us and not proved so faithful,

(08:12):
I could not have left to benefit my sisters. But
you have induced me to leave. They have to thank
you if I am able to be of any service
to them. Oh, Massa Edward, you go, never mind us.
We make plenty of work, do everything all the same
as you. I think you will, Pablo, And that is

(08:34):
the reason why I have agreed to go away. But Pablo,
Billy is growing old, and you will want some more ponies, Yes,
Massa Edward. Massa Humphrey talked to me about ponies last night,
and say, plenty in the forest. Ask me if I
think us able catch them? I say, yes, catch one,

(08:55):
two twenty. Suppose want them? Ah, how will you do that, Pablo,
Massa Edward. You tell Massa Humphrey, no possible. So I
no tell you how, replied Pablo, laughing. Some day you
come and see us, see five ponies in the stable,
mats Sir Humphrey, and I we talk about find out

(09:17):
how you see? Well, then I shall ask no more questions, Pablo.
And when I see the ponies in the stable, then
I'll believe it, and not before. Suppose you want big
horse for right, catch big horse, massa Edward, You see
Massa Humphrey. Very clever he catch cow, catch gypsy, said Edward. Yes,

(09:40):
said Pablo, laughing, Catch cow, catch gipsy, and by and
by catch horse. When Edward arrived at the Intendant's house,
he was very kindly received by the Intendant and the
two girls. Having deposited his wardrobe in his bedroom, he
went out to Oswald and put smoker in the can,
and on his return found Pablo sitting on the carpet

(10:03):
in the sitting room talking to Patience and Clara, and
they all three appeared much amused. When Pablo and Billy
had both had something to eat. The cart was filled
with pots of flowers and several other little things as
presents from Patience, Heatherstone, and Pablo set off on his return.

(10:24):
Will Edward you do look like said Clara, stopping like
a secretary, I hope, added Edward, Well, you don't look
like a forester, does he? Patience continued Clara. You must
not judge of people by their clothes, Clara, nor do,
I replied Clara. Those clothes would not look well upon

(10:46):
Oswald or the other men, but they would not suit them.
But they do suit you, don't they? Patience? Patience Heatherstone, however,
did not make any answer to this second appeal made
by Clara. Why don't you answer me, Patience, said Clara.
My dear Clara, it's not the custom for young maidens

(11:09):
to make remarks upon people's attire. Little girls like you
may do. So why did you not tell Pablo that
he looked well in his new clothes? Yes, but Pablo
is not mister Armitage, Clara. That is very different. Well,
it may be, but still you might answer a question

(11:31):
if put to you, Patience, And I ask again, does
not Edward look much better in the dress he has
on than in the one that he has generally worn.
I sink it a becoming dress, Clara, since you will
have an answer. Fine feathers make fine birds, Clara, said Edward, laughing,
and so that is all we can say about it.

(11:54):
Edward then changed the conversation. Soon afterward, dinner was announced,
and Clara again observed to Edward, why do you always
call Patience Mistress Heatherstone? Ought he not to call her Patience, Sir,
said Clara, appealing to the intendant. That must depend upon
his own feelings. My dear Clara replied mister Heatherstone, it

(12:17):
is my intention to waive ceremony as much as possible.
Edward Armitage has come to live with us as one
of the family, and he will find himself treated by
me as one of us. I shall, therefore, in future
address him as Edward, and he has my full permission,
And I may say it is my wish that he

(12:37):
should be on the same familiar terms with us all.
When Edward feels inclined to address my daughter as he
does you by her name of Baptism, he will, I
dare say, now that he has heard my opinion, do so,
and reserve Mistress Heatherstone for the time when they have
a quarrel. Then I hope he will never again address

(12:59):
me that way, observed Patience, for I am under two
great obligations to him to bear even the idea of
being on bad terms with him. Do you hear that, Edward,
said Clara. Yes, I do, Clara, And after such a
remark you may be sure that I shall never address
her in that way again. In a few days Edward

(13:21):
became quite at home. In the forenoon, mister Heatherstone dictated
one or two letters to him, which he wrote, and
after that his time was at his own disposal, and
was chiefly passed in the company of Patience and Clara.
With the first he had now become on the most
intimate and brotherly footing, and when they addressed each other,

(13:43):
Patience and Edward were the only appellations made use of. Once,
mister Heatherstone asked Edward whether he would not like to
go out with Oswald to kill a deer, which he did,
but the venison was hardly yet in season. There was
a fine horse in the stable at Edward's order, and
he often rode out with Patience and Clara. Indeed, his

(14:06):
time passed so agreeably that he could hardly think it
possible that a fortnight had passed away. When he asked
permission to go over to the cottage and see his sisters,
with the intendant's permission, Patience and Clara accompanied him, and
the joy of Alice and Edith was great when they
made their appearance. Oswald had by Edward's request gone over

(14:31):
a day or two before to tell them that they
were coming, that they might be prepared, and the consequence
was that it was a holy day at the cottage.
Alice had cooked her best dinner, and Humphrey and Pablo
were at home to receive them. How pleasant it will
be if we are to see you and Clara whenever

(14:51):
we see Edward, said Alice to Patience. So far from
being sorry that Edward is with you, I shall be
quite glad of it. Ay water the flowers every day,
said Edith, and they make the garden look so gay.
I will bring you plenty more in the auter Edith.
But this is not the right time for transplanting flowers yet,

(15:13):
replied Patience. And now, Alice, you must take me to
see your farm, for when I was here last I
had no time. Let us come now and show me everything.
But my dinner, Patience, I cannot leave it or it
will be spoilt, and that will never do. You must
either go with Edith now or wait till after dinner

(15:35):
when I can get away. Well, then we will stay
till after dinner, Alice, and we will help you to
serve it up. Thank you, Pabler generally does that. For
Edith cannot reach down the things. I don't know where
he is. He went away with Edward and Humphrey, I think,
said Edith. I'll scold him when he comes back for

(15:57):
being out of the way. Never mind, Edith, I can
reach the dishes, said Patients, and you and Clara can
then take them and the platters and put them on
the table for Alice and Patients did as she proposed,
and the dinner was soon afterward. On the table there

(16:17):
was a ham and two boiled fowls, and a piece
of salted beef, and some roasted kid besides potatoes and
green peas. And when it is considered that such a
dinner was set on the table by such young people
left entirely to their own exertions and industry, it must

(16:37):
be admitted that it did them and their farm great credit.
In the meantime, Edward and Humphrey, after the first greetings
were over, had walked out to converse, while Pablo had
taken the horses into the stable. Well, Humphrey, how do
you get on? Very well? Replied Humphrey. Have just finished

(17:01):
a very tough job. I have dug out the saw pit,
and have sawed the slabs for the sides of the
pit and made it quite secure. The large fir tree
that was blown down is now at the pit, ready
for sawing up into planks, and Pablo and I are
to commence tomorrow. At first we made but a bad

(17:22):
hand of sawing off the slabs, but before we had
cut them all we got on pretty well. Pablo don't
much like it, and indeed no more do I much.
It is such mechanical work and so tiring, but he
does not complain. I do not intend that he shall
saw more than two days in a week. That will

(17:45):
be sufficient. We shall get on fast enough. You are right, Humphrey.
It is an old saying that you must not work
a willing horse to death. Pablo is very willing, but
hard work he is not accustomed to. Well, well, now
you must come and look at my flock of goats, Edward.
They are not far off. I have taught Holdfast to

(18:07):
take care of them, and he never leaves them now
and brings them home at night. Watch always remains with me,
and is an excellent dog and very intelligent. You have
indeed a fine flock, Humphrey, said Edward. Yes, and they
are improved in appearance already since they have been here.

(18:28):
Alice has got her geese and ducks, and I have
made a place large enough for them to wash in
until I have time to dig them out a pond.
I thought we had gathered more hay than you required,
But with this addition, I think you will find none
to spare before the spring. So far from it that
I have been mowing down a great deal more, Edward,

(18:49):
and it is almost ready to carry away. Poor Billy
has had hard work of it, I assure you, since
he came back with one thing and another. Poor fellow.
But it won't last long, Humphrey, said Edward, smiling. The
other horses will soon take his place. I trust they will,
said Humphrey, at all events, by next spring. Before that,

(19:11):
I do not expect that they will by the bye. Humphrey,
You recollect what I said to you that the robber
I shot told me just before he died. Yes, I
do recollect it now, replied Humphrey. But I had quite
forgotten all about it till you mentioned it now, although
I wrote it down that we might not forget it. Well,

(19:33):
I have been thinking all about it, Humphrey. The robber
told me that the money was mine, taking me for
another person. Therefore, I do not consider it was given
to me, nor do I consider that it was his
to give. I hardly know what to do about it,
nor to whom the money can be said to belong. Well,

(19:54):
I think I can answer that question. The property of
all malefactors belongs to the King, and therefore this money
belongs to the King, and we may retain it for
the King or use it for his service. Yes, it
would have belonged to the king had the man been
condemned and hung on the gallows, as he deserved, but

(20:17):
he was not, and therefore I think that it does
not belong to the king. Then it belongs to whoever
finds it and who keeps it till it is claimed,
which will never be. I think I must speak to
the intendant about it, replied Edward. I should feel more comfortable, then,

(20:38):
do so, replied Humphrey. I think you are right to
have no concealments from him. But Humphrey replied Edward, laughing,
what silly fellows we are. We do not yet know
whether we shall find anything. We must first see if
there is anything buried there, and when we have done so,

(21:00):
then we will decide how to act. I shall, if
it please God, be over again in a fortnight. And
in the meantime, do you find out the place and
ascertain if what the fellow said is true? I will,
replied Humphrey, I will go to morrow with Billy and
the cart, and take a spade and pickaxe with me.

(21:22):
It may be a fool's errand but still they say,
and one would credit for the honor of human nature
that the words of a dying man are those of truth.
We had better go back now, for I think dinner
must be ready. Now that they had become so intimate
with Patience Heatherstone, and I may add so fond of her,

(21:45):
there was no longer any restraint, and they had a
very merry dinner party. And after dinner, Patience went out
with Alice and Edith and looked over the garden and farm.
She wished very much to ascertain if there was anything
that they required. But she could discover but few things,
and those only trifles. But she recollected them all and

(22:09):
sent them to the cottage a few days afterward. But
the hour of parting arrived, for it was a long
ride back and they could not stay any longer if
they wished to get home before dark, as mister Heatherstone
had requested Edward that they should do so. The horses
were brought out, and, wishing good bye, they set off again,

(22:31):
little Edith crying after them, Come again soon, patience, you
must come again soon. End of Chapter nineteen. Recording by
Nick Whitley, Pearly, United Kingdom,