They spent their time very pleasantly, excepting the
criminal, who continued gloomy and reserved, and declined company.

In the mean time, the commissioners proceeded on their journey. When
they were within a day's distance from the castle, Mr. William and his
servant put forward, and arrived several hours before the rest, to make
preparations for their reception. His sister and brother received them
with open arms, and enquired eagerly after the event of the journey to
the North. He gave them a brief account of every thing that had happened
to their uncle; adding, "But this is not all: Sir Philip Harclay has
brought a young man who he pretends is the son of the late Lord Lovel,
and claims his estate and title. This person is on his journey hither,
with several others who are commissioned to enquire into certain
particulars, to confirm his pretensions. If he make good his claim, my
father will surrender the castle and estate into his hands. Sir
Philip and my lord have many points to settle; and he has proposed
a compromise, that you, my sister, ought to know, because it nearly
concerns you."

"Me! brother William; pray explain yourself."

"Why, he proposes that, in lieu of arrears and other expectations, my
father shall give his dear Emma to the heir of Lovel, in full of all
demands."

She changed colour.

"Holy Mary!" said she; "and does my father agree to this proposal?"

"He is not very averse to it; but Sir Robert refuses his consent.
However, I have given him my interest with you."

"Have you indeed? What! a stranger, perhaps an impostor, who comes to
turn us out of our dwelling?"

"Have patience, my Emma! see this young man without prejudice, and
perhaps you will like him as well as I do."

"I am surprised at you, William."

"Dear Emma, I cannot bear to see you uneasy. Think of the man who of all
others you would with to see in a situation to ask you of your father,
and expect to see your wishes realized."

"Impossible!" said she.

"Nothing is impossible, my dear; let us be prudent, and all will end
happily. You must help me to receive and entertain these commissioners.
I expect a very solemn scene; but when that is once got over, happier
hours than the past will succeed. We shall first visit the haunted
apartment; you, my sister, will keep in your own till I shall send for
you. I go now to give orders to the servants."

He went and ordered them to be in waiting; and himself, and his youngest
br