nd was alone. They killed
him, and drew him aside out of the highway. They then came to me with
all speed, and desired my orders; it was then about sunset. I sent
them back to fetch the dead body, which they brought privately into the
castle: they tied it neck and heels, and put it into a trunk, which they
buried under the floor in the closet you mentioned. The sight of the
body stung me to the heart; I then felt the pangs of remorse, but it was
too late; I took every precaution that prudence suggested to prevent the
discovery; but nothing can be concealed from the eye of Heaven.

"From that fatal hour I have never known peace, always in fear of
something impending to discover my guilt, and to bring me to shame; at
length I am overtaken by justice. I am brought to a severe reckoning
here, and I dread to meet one more severe hereafter."

"Enough," said the priest; "you have done a good work, my son! trust in
the Lord; and, now this burden is off your mind, the rest will be made
easy to you."

Lord Lovel took a minute's repose, and then went on.

"I hope by the hint you gave, Sir Philip, the poor lady is yet alive?"

"No, sir, she is not; but she died not till after she brought forth a
son, whom Heaven made its instrument to discover and avenge the death of
both his parents."

"They are well avenged!" said he. "I have no children to lament for
me; all mine have been taken from me in the bloom of youth; only one
daughter lived to be twelve years old; I intended her for a wife for one
of my nephews, but within three months I have buried her." He sighed,
wept, and was silent.

The gentlemen present lifted up their hands and eyes to Heaven in
silence.

"The will of Heaven be obeyed!" said the priest. "My penitent hath
confessed all; what more would you require?"

"That he make atonement," said Sir Philip; "that he surrender the title
and estate to the right heir, and dispose of his own proper fortune to
his nearest relations, and resign himself to penitence and preparation
for a future state. For this time I leave him with you, father, and will
join my prayers with yours for his repentance."

So saying, he left the room, and was followed by the Barons and the
surgeon; the priest alone remaining with him. As soon as they were out
of hearing, Sir Philip questioned the surgeon concerning his patient's
situation; who answered, that at present he saw no signs of immediate
danger, but he could not yet pronounce that the