it in his behalf."

"A powerful solicitor indeed!" said the Baron; "but you know my eldest
son's reluctance to it; if he consents, so will I."

"He shall consent," said Lord Clifford, "or he shall have no daughter
of mine. Let him subdue his prejudices, and then I will lay aside my
scruples."

"But, my Lord," replied the Baron, "if I can obtain his free consent,
it will be the best for all; I will try once more, and if he will not, I
will leave it wholly to your management."

When the noble company were all assembled, Sir Philip Harclay revived
the subject, and besought the Lord Fitz-Owen to put an end to the work
he had begun, by confirming Edmund's happiness. The Baron rose up, and
thus spoke:

"The proofs of Edmund's noble birth, the still stronger ones of his
excellent endowments and qualities, the solicitations of so many noble
friends in his behalf, have altogether determined me in his favour;
and I hope to do justice to his merit, without detriment to my other
children; I am resolved to make them all as happy as my power will
allow me to do. Lord Clifford has been so gracious to promise his fair
daughter to my son Robert, upon certain conditions, that I will take
upon me to ratify, and which will render my son worthy of the happiness
that awaits him. My children are the undoubted heirs of my unhappy
brother, Lovel; you, my son, shall therefore immediately take possession
of your uncle's house and estate, only obliging you to pay to each
of your younger brothers, the sum of one thousand pounds; on this
condition, I will secure that estate to you and your heirs for ever. I
will by my own act and deed surrender the castle and estate of Lovel to
the right owner, and at the same time marry him to my daughter. I will
settle a proper allowance upon my two younger sons, and dispose of
what remains by a will and testament; and then I shall have done all my
business in this world, and shall have nothing to do but prepare for the
next."

"Oh, my father!" said Sir Robert, "I cannot bear your generosity! you
would give away all to others, and reserve nothing for yourself."

"Not so, my son," said the Baron; "I will repair my old castle in Wales,
and reside there. I will visit my children, and be visited by them; I
will enjoy their happiness, and by that means increase my own; whether I
look backwards or forwards, I shall have nothing to do but rejoice, and
be thankful to Heaven that has given me so many blessings; I