t us retire from this crowd," said he; "we have business of a more
private nature to transact."

He led to the parlour, followed by Sir Philip and the other gentlemen.

"Where are my other children?" said he.

William retired, and presently returned with his brother and sister.
They kneeled to their father, who raised and embraced them. He then
called out, "William!--Edmund!--come and receive my blessing also."

They approached hand in hand, they kneeled, and he gave them a solemn
benediction.

"Your friendship deserves our praise, my children! love each other
always! and may Heaven pour down its choicest blessings upon your
heads!"

They rose, and embraced in silent raptures of joy. Edmund presented his
friend to Sir Philip.

"I understand you," said he; "this gentleman was my first acquaintance
of this family; he has a title to the second place in my heart; I shall
tell him, at more leisure, how much I love and honour him for his own
sake as well as yours."

He embraced the youth, and desired his friendship.

"Come hither, my Emma!" said the Baron.

She approached with tears on her check, sweetly blushing, like the
damask rose wet with the dew of the morning.

"I must ask you a serious question, my child; answer me with the same
sincerity you would to Heaven. You see this young man, the heir of
Lovel! You have known him long; consult your own heart, and tell me
whether you have any objection to receive him for your husband. I have
promised to all this company to give you to him; but upon condition that
you approve him: I think him worthy of you; and, whether you accept him
or not, he shall ever be to me a son; but Heaven forbid that I should
compel my child to give her hand, where she cannot bestow her heart!
Speak freely, and decide this point for me and for yourself."

The fair Emma blushed, and was under some confusion; her virgin modesty
prevented her speaking for some moments. Edmund trembled; he leaned upon
William's shoulder to support himself. Emma cast her eye upon him, she
saw his emotion, and hastened to relieve him; and thus spoke in a soft
voice which gathered strength as she proceeded:

"My lord and father's goodness has always prevented my wishes; I am the
happiest of all children, in being able to obey his commands, without
offering violence to my own inclinations. As I am called upon in this
public manner, it is but justice to this gentleman's merit to declare,
that, were I at liberty