s. Sir Philip answered, "You are right,
my Lord; I had not thought of this point; we owe you, in this respect,
more than we can ever repay. But you know not half the respect and
affection Edmund bears for you. When restitution of his title and
fortune are fully made, his happiness will still depend on you."

"How on me?" said the Baron.

"Why, he will not be happy unless you honour him with your notice and
esteem; but this is not all, I must hope that you will do still more for
him."

"Indeed," said the Baron, "he has put my regard for him to a severe
proof; what further can he expect from me?"

"My dear Lord, be not offended, I have only one more proposal to make to
you; if you refuse it, I can allow for you; and I confess it requires a
greatness of mind, but not more than you possess, to grant it."

"Well, sir, speak your demand."

"Say rather my request; it is this: Cease to look upon Edmund as the
enemy of your house; look upon him as a son, and make him so indeed."

"How say you, Sir Philip? my son!"

"Yes, my lord, give him your daughter. He is already your son in filial
affection; your son William and he are sworn brothers; what remains but
to make him yours? He deserves such a parent, you such a son; and you
will, by this means, ingraft into your family, the name, title, and
estate of Lovel, which will be entailed on your posterity for ever."

"This offer requires much consideration," returned the Baron.

"Suffer me to suggest some hints to you," said Sir Philip. "This match
is, I think, verily pointed out by Providence, which hath conducted the
dear boy through so many dangers, and brought him within view of his
happiness; look on him as the precious relic of a noble house, the son
of my dearest friend! or look on him as my son and heir, and let me, as
his father, implore you to consent to his marriage with your daughter."

The Baron's heart was touched, he turned away his face.

"Oh, Sir Philip Harclay, what a friend are you! why should such a man be
our enemy?"

"My lord," said Sir Philip, "we are not, cannot be enemies; our hearts
are already allied; and I am certain we shall one day be dear friends."

The Baron suppressed his emotions, but Sir Philip saw into his heart.

"I must consult my eldest son," returned he.

"Then," replied Sir Philip, "I foresee much difficulty; he is prejudiced
against Edmund, and thinks the restitution of his inheritance an injury
to your family. Hereafter he wi