all night; and the next day Andrew directed them to
the place where the Lady Lovel was buried, between two trees which he
had marked for a memorial. They collected the bones and carried them
to the Castle, where Edmund caused a stately coffin to be made for the
remains of the unfortunate pair. The two priests obtained leave to look
in the coffin buried in the church, and found nothing but stones and
earth in it. The commissioners then declared they were fully satisfied
of the reality of Edmund's pretensions.

The two priests were employed in drawing up a circumstantial account of
these discoveries, in order to make their report to the Barons at their
return. In the mean time Mr. William took an opportunity to introduce
Edmund to his sister.

"My Emma," said he, "the heir of Lovel is desirous to pay his respects
to you."

They were both in apparent confusion; but Edmund's wore off, and Emma's
increased.

"I have been long desirous," said he, "to pay my respects to the lady
whom I most honour, but unavoidable duties have detained me; when these
are fully paid, it is my wish to devote the remainder of my life to Lady
Emma!"

"Are you, then, the heir of Lovel?"

"I am, madam; and am also the man in whose behalf I once presumed to
speak."

"'Tis very strange indeed!"

"It is so, madam, to myself; but time that reconciles us to all things,
will, I hope, render this change in my situation familiar to you."

William said, "You are both well acquainted with the wishes of my heart;
but my advice is, that you do not encourage a farther intimacy till my
lord's determination be fully known."

"You may dispose of me as you please," said Edmund; "but I cannot help
declaring my wishes; yet I will submit to my Lord's sentence, though he
should doom me to despair."

From this period, the young pair behaved with solemn respect to each
other, but with apparent reserve. The young lady sometimes appeared in
company, but oftener chose to be in her own apartment, where she began
to believe and hope for the completion of her wishes. The uncertainty of
the Baron's determination, threw an air of anxiety over Edmund's face.
His friend William, by the most tender care and attention, strove to
dispel his fears, and encourage his hopes; but he waited with impatience
for the return of the commissioners, and the decision of his fate.

While these things passed at the Castle of Lovel, the nominal Baron
recovered his health and strength