his patient'ssituation; who answered, that at present he saw no signs of immediatedanger, but he could not yet pronounce that there was none.
"If he were mortally wounded," said he, "he could not be so well, norspeak so long without faintness; and it is my opinion that he will soonrecover, if nothing happens to retard the cure."
"Then," said Sir Philip, "keep this opinion from him; for I wouldsuffer the fear of death to operate on him until he hath performed somenecessary acts of justice. Let it only be known to these noblemen, uponwhose honour I can rely, and I trust they will approve my request toyou, sir."
"I join in it," said Lord Clifford, "from the same motives."
"I insist upon it," said Lord Graham; "and I can answer for my surgeon'sdiscretion."
"My lords," said the surgeon, "you may depend on my fidelity; and,after what I have just heard, my conscience is engaged in this noblegentleman's behalf, and I will do every thing in my power to second yourintentions."
"I thank you, sir," said Sir Philip, "and you may depend on my gratitudein return. I presume you will sit up with him to-night; if any dangershould arise, I desire to be called immediately; but, otherwise, I wouldsuffer him to rest quietly, that he may be prepared for the business ofthe following day."
"I shall obey your directions, sir; my necessary attendance will giveme a pretence not to leave him, and thus I shall hear all that passesbetween him and all that visit him."
"You will oblige me highly," said Sir Philip, "and I shall go to restwith confidence in your care."
The surgeon returned to the sick man's chamber, Sir Philip and theBarons to the company below: they supped in the great hall, with allthe gentlemen that were present at the combat. Sir Philip and his Edmundretired to their repose, being heartily fatigued; and the company staidto a late hour, commenting upon the action of the day, praising thecourage and generosity of the noble knight, and wishing a good event tohis undertaking.
Most of Lord Lovel's friends went away as soon as they saw him safelylodged, being ashamed of him, and of their appearance in his behalf;and the few that stayed were induced by their desire of a furtherinformation of the base action he had committed, and to justify theirown characters and conduct.
The next morning Sir Philip entered into consultation with the twoBarons, on the methods he should take to get Edmund received, andacknowledged, as heir of the house of Lovel. They were all of opinion,that the criminal should be kept in fear till he had settled hisworldly affairs, and they had resolved how to dispose of him. With thisdetermination they entered his room, and enquired of the surgeon how hehad passed the night. He shook his head, and said but little.
Lord Lovel desired that he might be removed to his own house. LordGraham said, he could not consent to that, as there was evident dangerin removing him; and appealed to the surgeon, who confirmed his opinion.Lord Graham desired he would make himself easy, and that he should haveevery kind of assistance there.
Sir Philip then proposed to send for the Lord Fitz-Owen, who would seethat all possible care was taken of his brother-in-law, and would assisthim in settling his affairs. Lord Lovel was against it; he was peevishand uneasy, and desired to be left with only his own servants to attendhim. Sir Philip quitted the room with a significant look; and the twoLords endeavoured to reconcile him to his situation. He interruptedthem. "It is easy for men in your situation to advise, but it isdifficult for one in mine to practise; wounded in body and mind, itis natural that I should strive to avoid the extremes of shame andpunishment; I thank you for your kind offices, and beg I may be leftwith my own servants."
"With them, and the surgeon, you shall," said Lord Graham; and they bothretired.
Sir Philip met them below. "My lords," said he, "I am desirous that myLord Fitz-Owen should be sent for, and that he may hear his brother'sconfession; for I suspect that he may hereafter deny, what only the fearof death has extorted from him; with your permission I am determined tosend messengers to-day."
They both expressed approbation, and Lord Clifford proposed to writeto him, saying, a letter from an impartial person will have the moreweight; I will send one of my principal domestics with your own. Thismeasure being resolved upon, Lord Clifford retired to write, and SirPhilip to prepare his servants for instant departure. Edmund desiredleave to write to father Oswald, and John Wyatt was ordered to be thebearer of his letter. When the Lord Clifford had finished his letter, heread it to Sir Philip and his chosen friends, as follows:--
"RIGHT HON. MY GOOD LORD,--I have taken upon me to acquaint yourLordship, that there has been a solemn combat at arms between yourbrother-in-law, the Lord Lovel, and Sir Philip Harclay, Knt. ofYorkshire. It was fought in the jurisdiction of the Lord Graham, who,with myself, was appointed judge of the field; it was fairly won, andSir Philip is the conqueror. After he had gained the victory he declaredat large the cause of the quarrel, and that he had revenged the deathof Arthur Lord Lovel his friend, whom the present Lord Lovel hadassassinated, that he might enjoy his title and estate. The wounded manconfessed the fact; and Sir Philip gave him his life, and only carriedoff his sword as a trophy of his victory. Both the victor and thevanquished were conveyed to Lord Graham's castle, where the Lord Lovelnow lies in great danger. He is desirous to settle his worldly affairs,and to make his peace with God and man. Sir Philip Harclay says thereis a male heir of the house of Lovel, for whom he claims the title andestate; but he is very desirous that your Lordship should be present atthe disposal of your brother's property that of right belongs to him,of which your children are the undoubted heirs. He also wants to consultyou in many other points of honour and equity. Let me intreat you, onthe receipt of this letter, to set out immediately for Lord Graham'scastle, where you will be received with the utmost respect andhospitality. You will hear things that will surprise you as much as theydo me; you will judge of them with that justice and honour that speaksyour character; and you will unite with us in wondering at the ways ofProvidence, and submitting to its decrees, in punishing the guilty, anddoing justice to the innocent and oppressed. My best wishes and prayersattend you and your hopeful family. My lord, I remain your humbleservant,
"CLIFFORD."
Every one present expressed the highest approbation of this letter.Sir Philip gave orders to John Wyatt to be very circumspect in hisbehaviour, to give Edmund's letter privately to father Oswald, and tomake no mention of him, or his pretensions to Lovel Castle.
Lord Clifford gave his servant the requisite precautions. Lord Grahamadded a note of invitation, and sent it by a servant of his own. As soonas all things were ready, the messengers set out with all speed for theCastle of Lovel.
They stayed no longer by the way than to take some refreshment, but rodenight and day till they arrived there.
Lord Fitz-Owen was in the parlour with his children; Father Oswald waswalking in the avenue before the house, when he saw three messengerswhose horses seemed jaded, and the riders fatigued, like men come a longjourney. He came up, just as the first had delivered his message to theporter. John Wyatt knew him; he dismounted, and made signs that he hadsomething to say to him; he retired back a few steps, and John, withgreat dexterity, slipped a letter into his hand. The father gave him hisblessing, and a welcome.
"Who do you come from?" said he aloud.
"From the Lords Graham and Clifford to the Lord Fitz-Owen; and we bringletters of consequence to the Baron."
Oswald followed the messengers into the hall; a servant announced theirarrival. Lord Fitz-Owen received them in the parlour; Lord Clifford'sservant delivered his master's letter, Lord Graham's his, and they saidthey would retire and wait his Lordship's answer. The Baron ordered themsome refreshment. They retired, and he opened his letters. He read themwith great agitations, he struck his hand upon his heart, he exclaimed,"My fears are all verified! the blow is struck, and it has fallen uponthe guilty!"
Oswald came in a minute after.
"You are come in good time," said the Baron. "Read that letter, that mychildren may know the content
s."
He read it, with faultering voice, and trembling limbs. They were allin great surprise. William looked down, and kept a studied silence. SirRobert exclaimed--
"Is it possible? can my uncle be guilty of such an action?"
"You hear," said the Baron, "he has confessed it!"
"But to whom?" said Sir Robert.
His father replied, "Lord Clifford's honour is unquestionable, and Icannot doubt what he affirms."
Sir Robert leaned his head upon his hand, as one lost in thought; atlength he seemed to awake.
"My Lord, I have no doubt that Edmund is at the bottom of this business.Do you not remember that Sir Philip Harclay long ago promised him hisfriendship? Edmund disappears; and, soon