er hand; his heart was rising to his lips, but he recollected his
situation; he checked himself immediately; he retired back, he sighed
deeply, bowed low, and hastily quitted her.

The lady turning into another walk, he reached the house first, and went
up again to his chamber; he threw himself upon his knees; prayed for a
thousand blessings upon every one of the family of his benefactor, and
involuntarily wept at mentioning the name of the charming Emma, whom he
was about to leave abruptly, and perhaps for ever. He then endeavoured
to compose himself, and once more attended the Baron; wished him a good
night; and withdrew to his chamber, till he was called upon to go again
to the haunted apartment.

He came down equipped for his journey, and went hastily for fear of
observation; he paid his customary devotions, and soon after Oswald
tapped at the door. They conferred together upon the interesting subject
that engrossed their attention, until Joseph came to them, who brought
the rest of Edmund's baggage, and some refreshment for him before he
set out. Edmund promised to give them the earliest information of his
situation and success. At the hour of twelve they heard the same
groans as the night before in the lower apartment; but, being somewhat
familiarized to it, they were not so strongly affected. Oswald crossed
himself, and prayed for the departed soul; he also prayed for Edmund,
and recommended him to the Divine protection. He then arose, and
embraced that young man; who, also, took a tender leave of his friend
Joseph. They then went, with silence and caution, through a long
gallery; they descended the stairs in the same manner; they crossed the
hall in profound silence, and hardly dared to breathe, lest they should
be overheard; they found some difficulty in opening one of the folding
doors, which at last they accomplished; they were again in jeopardy at
the outward gate. At length they conveyed him safely into the stables;
there they again embraced him, and prayed for his prosperity.

He then mounted his horse, and set forward to Wyatt's cottage; he
hallooed at the door, and was answered from within. In a few minutes
John came out to him.

"What, is it you, Master Edmund?"

"Hush!" said he; "not a word of who I am; I go upon private business,
and would not wish to be known."

"If you will go forward, sir, I will soon overtake you." He did so; and
they pursued their journey to the north. In the mean time, Osw