she will; I mean Margery Twyford, who calls herself your mother."

"You meet my thoughts," said Edmund; "I had resolved, before you spoke,
to visit her, and to interrogate her on the subject; I will ask my
Lord's permission to go this very day."

"That is right," said Oswald; "but be cautious and prudent in your
enquiries."

"If you," said Edmund, "would bear me company, I should do better; she
might think herself obliged to answer your questions; and, being
less interested in the event, you would be more discreet in your
interrogations."

"That I will most readily," said he; "and I will ask my lord's
permission for us both."

"This point is well determined," said Joseph; "I am impatient for
the result; and I believe my feet will carry me to meet you whether I
consent or not."

"I am as impatient as you," said Oswald; "but let us be silent as
the grave, and let not a word or look indicate any thing knowing or
mysterious."

The daylight began to dawn upon their conference; and Edmund, observing
it, begged his friends to withdraw in silence. They did so, and left
Edmund to his own recollections. His thoughts were too much employed for
sleep to approach him; he threw himself upon the bed, and lay meditating
how he should proceed; a thousand schemes offered themselves and were
rejected; But he resolved, at all events, to leave Baron Fitz-Owen's
family the first opportunity that presented itself.

He was summoned, as before, to attend my lord at breakfast; during
which, he was silent, absent, and reserved. My Lord observed it, and
rallied him; enquiring how he had spent the night?

"In reflecting upon my situation, my Lord; and in laying plans for my
future conduct." Oswald took the hint, and asked permission to visit
Edmund's mother in his company, and acquaint her with his intentions
of leaving the country soon. He consented freely; but seemed unresolved
about Edmund's departure.

They set out directly, and Edmund went hastily to old Twyford's cottage,
declaring that every field seemed a mile to him. "Restrain your warmth,
my son," said Oswald; "compose your mind, and recover your breath,
before you enter upon a business of such consequence." Margery met them
at the door, and asked Edmund, what wind blew him thither?

"Is it so very surprising," said he, "that I should visit my parents?"

"Yes, it is," said she, "considering the treatment you have met with
from us; but since Andrew is not in the house, I may