“You will set off to-morrow morning by daybreak, with eight horses. Each of you will take charge of three and bestride another, and you will be able to dispose of them in London or its neighbourhood for handsome prices. They will make fine chargers, and will very likely be purchased by officers of cavalry. Long Sam knows London well, and will make all the necessary arrangements for their sale.”
Elizabeth’s colour changed when Jack told her that he was about to take his departure for London.
“Going away!” she exclaimed; “I thought that you would remain here always and help my mother look after the farm when Mr Pearson is away. She much requires help. Oh, I wish that you were not going!”
“I hope to come back again soon, Elizabeth,” he answered, taking the young girl’s hand. “You have made my stay here very pleasant, far pleasanter than I expected, and I shall always remember you.”
“And I, I am very sure, shall not forget you, Master Deane,” replied Elizabeth, looking up in his face. “I have never felt sad or dull as I used sometimes to do before you came—and I have been very happy! My only fear is that you will not recollect me as I shall you; and I want to give you something to make you remember me. I have very few jewels or any thing of value of my own, besides this ring. Please, then, take it and wear it for my sake.”
She took his hand, and put on his finger as she spoke a massive gold ring of a peculiar make, with a chameleon and a vessel under full sail engraved on it.
“It is all I have to give, but I entreat you to accept it, that you may be reminded how grateful I am for the kindness you have shown me since you came to live here!”
Jack did not like to refuse the gift, and yet he thought that he ought not to accept it.
“I should ever remember you without it,” he answered. “But it is too valuable. Give me something of less cost, which I shall prize as much for your sake as this, for I shall value whatever you give me.”
“Oh, no, keep it!” she murmured. “It is the only thing I possess suited for you. I have a locket and brooch and other jewels, but they are not such as you would care for.”