e
still another guess."

"What is that, my child?"

"That we shall see or hear of him where we are going."

"It is very likely," said Oswald; "and I would have you be prepared for
it;--I am confident we shall hear nothing to his discredit."

"I am certain of that," said William, "and I shall rejoice to see him; I
conclude that he is under the protection of Sir Philip Harclay."

"He is so," said Oswald; "I had my information from Sir Philip's
servant, who is one of the messengers, and was guide to the others in
their way hither."

After some farther conversation they separated, and each went to his
repose.

The next morning the whole party set out on their journey; they
travelled by easy stages on account of the Baron's health, which began
to be impaired, and arrived in health and spirits at the castle of Lord
Graham, where they were received with the utmost respect and kindness by
the noble master.

The Lord Lovel had recovered his health and strength as much as possible
in the time, and was impatient to be gone from thence to his own house.
He was surprised to hear of the arrival of his brother and nephews, and
expressed no pleasure at the thoughts of seeing them. When Sir Philip
Harclay came to pay his respects to Baron Fitz-Owen, the latter received
him with civility, but with a coldness that was apparent. Sir Robert
left the room, doubting his resolution. Sir Philip advanced, and took
the Baron by the hand.

"My Lord," said he, "I rejoice to see you here. I cannot be satisfied
with the bare civilities of such a man as you. I aspire to your esteem,
to your friendship, and I shall not be happy till I obtain them. I will
make you the judge of every part of my conduct, and where you shall
condemn me, I will condemn myself."

The Baron was softened, his noble heart felt its alliance with its
counterpart, but he thought the situation of his brother demanded some
reserve towards the man who sought his life; but, in spite of himself,
it wore off every moment. Lord Clifford related all that had passed,
with the due regard to Sir Philip's honour; he remarked how nobly he
concealed the cause of his resentment against the Lord Lovel till the
day of combat, that he might not prepossess the judges against him. He
enlarged on his humanity to the vanquished, on the desire he expressed
to have justice done to his heirs; finally, he mentioned his great
respect for the Lord Fitz-Owen, and the solicitude he shewed to have