l?"

"All well, thank God! and send their humble duty to your honour, and
they pray for you every day of their lives. I hope your honour is in
good health."

"Very well."

"Thank God for that! but, sir, I have something further to tell you;
I have had a companion all the way home, a person who comes to wait on
your honour, on business of great consequence, as he says."

"Who is that, John?"

"It is Master Edmund Twyford, from the castle of Lovel."

"Young Edmund!" says Sir Philip, surprised; "where is he?"

"At the gate, sir."

"Why did you leave him there?"

"Because he bade me come before, and acquaint your honour, that he waits
your pleasure."

"Bring him hither," said Sir Philip; "tell him I shall be glad to see
him."

John made haste to deliver his message, and Edmund followed him in
silence into Sir Philip's presence.

He bowed low, and kept at a distance. Sir Philip held out his hand,
and bad him approach. As he drew near, he was seized with an universal
trembling; he kneeled down, took his hand, kissed it, and pressed it to
his heart in silence.

"You are welcome, young man!" said Sir Philip; "take courage, and speak
for yourself."

Edmund sighed deeply; he at length broke silence with difficulty. "I am
come thus far, noble sir, to throw myself at your feet, and implore your
protection. You are, under God, my only reliance."

"I receive you," said Sir Philip, "with all my heart! Your person is
greatly improved since I saw you last, and I hope your mind is equally
so; I have heard a great character of you from some that knew you in
France. I remember the promise I made you long ago, and am ready now
to fulfil it, upon condition that you have done nothing to disgrace the
good opinion I formerly entertained of you; and am ready to serve you in
any thing consistent with my own honour."

Edmund kissed the hand that was extended to raise him. "I accept your
favour, sir, upon this condition only; and if ever you find me to impose
upon your credulity, or incroach on your goodness, may you renounce me
from that moment!"

"Enough," said Sir Philip; "rise, then, and let me embrace you; You are
truly welcome!"

"Oh, noble sir!" said Edmund, "I have a strange story to tell you; but
it must be by ourselves, with only heaven to bear witness to what passes
between us."

"Very well," said Sir Philip; "I am ready to hear you; but first, go and
get some refreshment after your journey, and then come to me