is
house, to go I know not whither; but he shall no longer triumph in his
wickedness; he shall feel what it is to be banished from the house of
his protector. He shall set out for his mother's this very day; I will
write to her in such a manner as shall inform her that he has offended
me, without particularising the nature of his faults; I will give him an
opportunity of recovering his credit with his own family, and this shall
be my security against his doing further mischief. May he repent, and be
forgiven.

"Markham deserves punishment, but not in the same degree."

"I confess it," said he, "and will submit to whatever your lordship
shall enjoin."

"You shall only be banished for a time, but he for ever. I will send
you abroad on a business that shall put you in a way to do credit to
yourself, and service to me. Son Robert, have you any objection to my
sentence?"

"My Lord," said he, "I have great reason to distrust myself; I am
sensible of my own weakness, and your superior wisdom, as well as
goodness; and I will henceforward submit to you in all things."

The Baron ordered two of his servants to pack up Wenlock's clothes and
necessaries, and to set out with him that very day; he bade some others
keep an eye upon him lest he should escape; As soon as they were ready,
my Lord wished him a good journey, and gave him a letter for his mother.
He departed without saying a word, in a sullen kind of resentment, but
his countenance shewed the inward agitations of his mind.

As soon as he was gone, every mouth was opened against him; a thousand
stories came out that they never heard before; The Baron and his sons
were astonished that he should go on so long without detection. My lord
sighed deeply at the thoughts of Edmund's expulsion, and ardently wished
to know what was become of him.

Sir Robert took the opportunity of coming to an explanation with his
brother William; he took shame to himself for some part of his past
behaviour. Mr. William owned his affection to Edmund, and justified it
by his merit and attachment to him, which were such that he was
certain no time or distance could alter them. He accepted his brother's
acknowledgement, as a full amends for all that had passed, and begged
that henceforward an entire love and confidence might ever subsist
between them. These new regulations restored peace, confidence, and
harmony, in the Castle of Lovel.

At length, the day arrived for the combatants to meet.