At an early hour he commenced the work of preparation: he had little
trouble in this respect. He studiously selected from his wardrobe such
portions of it as had been the gift of his uncle, all of which he
carefully excluded from among the contents of the little portmanteau
which readily comprised the residue. His travelling-dress was quickly
adjusted; and not omitting a fine pair of pistols and a dirk, which, at
that period, were held in the south and southwest legitimate companions,
he found few other cares for arrangement. One token alone of Edith--a
small miniature linked with his own, taken a few seasons before, when
both were children, by a strolling artist--suspended by a chain of the
richest gold, was carefully hung about his neck. It grew in value, to
his mind, at a moment when he was about to separate, perhaps for ever,
from its sweet original.
At midnight, when all was silent--his portmanteau under his arm--booted,
spurred, and ready for travel--Ralph descended to the lower story, in
which slept the chief servant of the house.
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