Part 15 (1/2)
”It is hard to say what is impossible! we have proof that the east apartment is haunted. It was there that Edmund was made acquainted with many secrets, I doubt not: and, perhaps, his own fate may be involved in that of others. I am confident that what he saw and heard there, was the cause of his departure. We must wait with patience the unravelling this intricate affair; I believe I need not enjoin your secrecy as to what I have said; your heart will be my security.”
”What mean you, brother?”
”Don't affect ignorance, my dear; you love Edmund, so do I; it is nothing to be ashamed of. It would have been strange, if a girl of your good sense had not distinguished a swan among a flock of geese.”
”Dear William, don't let a word of this escape you; but you have taken a weight off my heart. You may depend that I will not dispose of my hand or heart till I know the end of this affair.”
William smiled: ”Keep them for Edmund's friend; I shall rejoice to see him in a situation to ask them.”
”Hush, my brother! not a word more; I hear footsteps.”
They were her eldest brother's, who came to ask Mr. William to ride out with him, which finished the conference.
The fair Emma from this time a.s.sumed an air of satisfaction; and William frequently stole away from his companions to talk with his sister upon their favourite subject.
While these things pa.s.sed at the castle of Lovel, Edmund and his companion John Wyatt proceeded on their journey to Sir Philip Harclay's seat; they conversed together on the way, and Edmund sound him a man of understanding, though not improved by education; he also discovered that John loved his master, and respected him even to veneration; from him he learned many particulars concerning that worthy knight. Wyatt told him, ”That Sir Philip maintained twelve old soldiers who had been maimed and disabled in the wars, and had no provision made for them; also six old officers, who had been unfortunate, and were grown grey without preferment; he likewise mentioned the Greek gentleman, his master's captive and friend, as a man eminent for valour and piety; but, beside these,” said Wyatt, ”there are many others who eat of my master's bread and drink of his cup, and who join in blessings and prayers to Heaven for their n.o.ble benefactor; his ears are ever open to distress, his hand to relieve it, and he shares in every good man's joys and blessings.”
”Oh, what a glorious character!” said Edmund; ”how my heart throbs with wishes to imitate such a man! Oh, that I might resemble him, though at ever so great a distance!”
Edmund was never weary of hearing the actions of this truly great man, nor Wyatt with relating them; and, during three days journey, there were but few pauses in their conversation.
The fourth day, when they came within view of the house, Edmund's heart began to raise doubts of his reception. ”If,” said he, ”Sir Philip should not receive me kindly, if he should resent my long neglect, and disown my acquaintance, it would be no more than justice.”
He sent Wyatt before, to notify his arrival to Sir Philip, while he waited at the gate, full of doubts and anxieties concerning his reception. Wyatt was met and congratulated on his return by most of his fellow-servants. He asked--
”Where is my master?”
”In the parlour.”
”Are any strangers with him?”
”No, only his own family.”
”Then I will shew myself to him.”
He presented himself before Sir Philip.
”So, John,” said he, ”you are welcome home! I hope you left your parents and relations well?”
”All well, thank G.o.d! and send their humble duty to your honour, and they pray for you every day of their lives. I hope your honour is in good health.”
”Very well.”
”Thank G.o.d for that! but, sir, I have something further to tell you; I have had a companion all the way home, a person who comes to wait on your honour, on business of great consequence, as he says.”
”Who is that, John?”
”It is Master Edmund Twyford, from the castle of Lovel.”
”Young Edmund!” says Sir Philip, surprised; ”where is he?”