afraid to try?"

"In what manner, my lord?"

"Why, you have shewn your wit upon the subject, and I mean to show your
courage;--you, and Jack Markham your confident, shall sleep here three
nights, as Edmund has done before."

"Sir," said Sir Robert, "for what purpose? I should be glad to
understand why."

"I have my reasons, sir, as well as your kinsmen there. No reply, Sirs!
I insist upon being obeyed in this point. Joseph, let the beds be well
aired, and every thing made agreeable to the gentlemen; If there is any
contrivance to impose upon me, they, I am sure, will have pleasure in
detecting it; and, if not, I shall obtain my end in making these rooms
habitable. Oswald, come with me; and the rest may go where they list
till dinner-time."

The Baron went with Oswald into the parlour.

"Now tell me, father," said he, "do you disapprove what I have done?"

"Quite the contrary, my lord," said he; "I entirely approve it."

"But you do not know all my reasons for it. Yesterday Edmund's behaviour
was different from what I have ever seen it--he is naturally frank and
open in all his ways; but he was then silent, thoughtful, absent; he
sighed deeply, and once I saw tears stand in his eyes. Now, I do
suspect there is something uncommon in that apartment--that Edmund has
discovered the secret; and, fearing to disclose it, he is fled away from
the house. As to this letter, perhaps he may have written it to
hint that there is more than he dares reveal; I tremble at the hints
contained in it, though I shall appear to make light of it. But I and
mine are innocent; and if Heaven discloses the guilt of others, I ought
to adore and submit to its decrees."

"That is prudently and piously resolved, my lord; let us do our duty,
and leave events to Heaven."

"But, father, I have a further view in obliging my kinsmen to sleep
there:--if any thing should appear to them, it is better that it should
only be known to my own family; if there is nothing in it, I shall put
to the proof the courage and veracity of my two kinsmen, of whom I think
very indifferently. I mean shortly to enquire into many things I have
heard lately to their disadvantage; and, if I find them guilty, they
shall not escape with impunity."

"My lord," said Oswald, "you judge like yourself; I wish you to make
enquiry concerning them, and believe the result will be to their
confusion, and your Lordship will be enabled to re-establish the peace
of your family."