n either case, those who enjoy his fortune shall allow him a decent
annuity, that he may not want the comforts of life. By the last, I
disable him from the means of doing further mischief, and enable him to
devote the remainder of his days to penitence. These are my proposals,
and I give him four-and-twenty hours to consider of them; if he refuses
to comply with them, I shall be obliged to proceed to severer measures,
and to a public prosecution. But the goodness of the Lord Fitz-Owen
bids me expect, from his influence with his brother, a compliance with
proposals made out of respect to his honourable character."

Lord Graham applauded the humanity, prudence, and piety of Sir Philip's
proposals. He enforced them with all his influence and eloquence. Lord
Clifford seconded him; and the rest gave tokens of approbation.

Sir Robert Fitz-Owen then rose up. "I beg leave to observe to the
company, who are going to dispose so generously of another man's
property, that my father purchased the castle and estate of the house of
Lovel; who is to repay him the money for it?"

Sir Philip then said, "I have also a question to ask. Who is to pay
the arrears of my ward's estate, which he has unjustly been kept out of
these one-and-twenty years? Let Lord Clifford answer to both points, for
he is not interested in either."

Lord Clifford smiled.

"I think," returned he, "the first question is answered by the second,
and that the parties concerned should set one against the other,
especially as Lord Fitz-Owen's children will inherit the fortune, which
includes the purchase-money."

Lord Graham said, "This determination is both equitable and generous,
and I hope will answer the expectations on all sides."

"I have another proposal to make to my Lord Fitz-Owen," said Sir Philip;
"but I first wait for the acceptance of those already made."

Lord Fitz-Owen replied, "I shall report them to my brother, and acquaint
the company with his resolution to-morrow."

They then separated; and the Baron, with his sons, returned to the
sick man's chamber; there he exhorted his brother, with the piety of a
confessor, to repent of his sins and make atonement for them. He made
known Sir Philip's proposals, and observed on the wonderful discovery
of his crime, and the punishment that followed it. "Your repentance,"
continued he, "may be accepted, and your crime may yet be pardoned. If
you continue refractory, and refuse to make atonement, you will dr