e invited young Clifford,
and some other gentlemen, to go with him. The company separated with
regret, and with many promises of friendship on all sides; and the
gentlemen of the North were to cultivate the good neighbourhood on both
sides of the borders.

Sir Philip Harclay and the Baron Fitz-Owen, with their friends and
attendants, set forwards for the Castle of Lovel; a servant went before,
at full speed, to acquaint the family of their approach. Edmund was in
great anxiety of mind, now the crisis of his fate was near at hand; He
enquired of the messenger, who were of the party? and finding that Sir
Philip Harclay was there, and that Sir Robert Fitz-Owen stayed in
the North, his hopes rose above his fears. Mr. William, attended by
a servant, rode forward to meet them; he desired Edmund to stay and
receive them. Edmund was under some difficulty with regard to his
behaviour to the lovely Emma; a thousand times his heart rose to his
lips, as often he suppressed his emotions; they both sighed frequently,
said little, thought much, and wished for the event. Master Walter was
too young to partake of their anxieties, but he wished for the arrival
of his father to end them.

Mr. William's impatience spurred him on to meet his father; as soon as
he saw him, he rode up directly to him.

"My dear father, you are welcome home!" said he.

"I think not, sir," said the Baron, and looked serious.

"Why so, my lord?" said William.

"Because it is no longer mine, but another man's home," answered he,
"and I must receive my welcome from him."

"Meaning Edmund?" said William.

"Whom else can it be?"

"Ah, my Lord! he is your creature, your servant; he puts his fate into
your hands, and will submit to your pleasure in all things!"

"Why comes he not to meet us?" said the Baron.

"His fears prevent him," said William; "but speak the word, and I will
fetch him."

"No," said the Baron, "we will wait on him."

William looked confused.

"Is Edmund so unfortunate," said he, "as to have incurred your
displeasure?"

Sir Philip Harclay advanced, and laid his hand on William's saddle.

"Generous impatience! noble youth!" said he; "look round you, and see if
you can discover in this company one enemy of your friend! Leave to your
excellent father the time and manner of explaining himself; he only can
do justice to his own sentiments."

The Baron smiled on Sir Philip; William's countenance cleared up; they
went forward, and so