During this conversation, Oswald was upon his guard, lest any thing
should escape that might create suspicion. He withdrew as soon as he
could with decency, and left the Baron meditating what all these things
should mean; he feared there was some misfortune impending over his
house, though he knew not from what cause.

He dined with his children and kinsmen, and strove to appear cheerful;
but a gloom was perceivable through his deportment. Sir Robert was
reserved and respectful; Mr. William was silent and attentive; the rest
of the family dutifully assiduous to my Lord; only Wenlock and Markham
were sullen and chagrined. The Baron detained the young men the whole
afternoon; he strove to amuse and to be amused; he shewed the greatest
affection and parental regard to his children, and endeavoured to
conciliate their affections, and engage their gratitude by kindness.
Wenlock and Markham felt their courage abate as the night approached;
At the hour of nine, old Joseph came to conduct them to the haunted
apartment; they took leave of their kinsmen, and went up stairs with
heavy hearts.

They found the chamber set in order for them, and a table spread with
provision and good liquor to keep up their spirits.

"It seems," said Wenlock, "that your friend Edmund was obliged to you
for his accommodations here."

"Sir," said Joseph, "his accommodations were bad enough the first night;
but, afterwards, they were bettered by my lord's orders."

"Owing to your officious cares?" said Wenlock.

"I own it," said Joseph, "and I am not ashamed of it."

"Are you not anxious to know what is become of him?" said Markham.

"Not at all, sir; I trust he is in the best protection; so good a young
man as he is, is safe everywhere."

"You see, cousin Jack," said Wenlock, "how this villain has stole the
hearts of my uncle's servants; I suppose this canting old fellow knows
where he is, if the truth were known."

"Have you any further commands for me, gentlemen?" said the old man.

"No, not we."

"Then I am ordered to attend my lord, when you have done with me."

"Go, then, about your business."

Joseph went away, glad to be dismissed.

"What shall we do, cousin Jack," said Wenlock, "to pass away the
time?--it is plaguy dull sitting here."

"Dull enough," said Markham, "I think the best thing we can do, is to go
to bed and sleep it away."

"Faith!" says Wenlock, "I am in no disposition to sleep. Who would have
thought the old