"Have you heard the news, sir?"
"Nothing very particular," replied Edward; "I know that General Cromwell
is over in Ireland, and they say very successful; but I have cared
little for particulars."
"They say a great deal more, sir," replied Oswald; "they say that the
king is in Scotland, and that the Scotch have raised an army for him."
"Indeed!" replied Edward, "that is news indeed! The Intendant has never
mentioned it to me."
"I daresay not, sir; for he knows your feelings, and would be sorry to
part with you."
"I will certainly speak to him on the subject," said Edward, "at the
risk of his displeasure; and join the army I will, if I find what you
say is true. I should hold myself a craven to remain here while the
king is fighting for his own, and not to be at his side."
"Well, sir, I think it is true, for I heard that the Parliament had sent
over for General Cromwell to leave Ireland, and lead the troops against
the Scotch army."
"You drive me mad, Oswald! I will go to the Intendant immediately!"
Edward, much excited by the intelligence, went into the room where he
usually sat with the Intendant. The latter, who was at his desk, looked
up, and saw how flushed Edward was, and said very quietly--
"Edward, you are excited, I presume, from hearing the news which has
arrived?"
"Yes, sir, I am very much so; and I regret very much that I should be
the last to whom such important news is made known."
"It is, as you say, important news," replied the Intendant; "but if you
will sit down, we will talk a little upon the subject."