endow it with
a certain sum to be paid annually, and will appoint a steward to
manage their revenue; I will continue it during the lives of the first
inhabitants, and after that I shall leave it to my son here, to do as he
pleases."

"Your son," said Edmund, "will make it the business of his life to act
worthy of such a father."

"Enough," said Sir Philip, "I am satisfied that you will. I purpose to
reside myself in that very apartment which my dear friend your father
inhabited; I will tread in his footsteps, and think he sees me acting
his part in his son's family. I will be attended by my own servants;
and, whenever you desire it, I will give you my company; your joys, your
griefs shall be mine; I shall hold your children in my arms, and their
prattle shall amuse my old age; and, as my last earthly wish, your hands
shall close my eyes."

"Long, very long," said Edmund, with eyes and hands lifted up, "may it
be ere I perform so sad a duty!"

"Long and happily may you live together!" said the Baron; "I will hope
to see you sometimes, and to claim a share in your blessings. But let
us give no more tears to sorrow, the rest shall be those of joy and
transport. The first step we take shall be to marry our Edmund; I will
give orders for the celebration, and they shall be the last orders I
shall give in this house." They then separated, and went to prepare for
the approaching solemnity.

Sir Philip and the Baron had a private conference concerning Edmund's
assuming the name and title of Lovel. "I am resolved," said Sir Philip,
"to go to the king; to acquaint him briefly with Edmund's history; I
will request that he may be called up to parliament by a writ, for there
is no need of a new patent, he being the true inheritor; in the mean
time he shall assume the name, arms, and title, and I will answer any
one that shall dispute his right to them.["] Sir Philip then declared
his resolution to set out with the Baron at his departure, and to settle
all his other affairs before he returned to take up his residence at the
Castle.

A few days after, the marriage was celebrated, to the entire
satisfaction of all parties. The Baron ordered the doors to be thrown
open, and the house free for all comers; with every other token of joy
and festivity. Edmund appeared full of joy without levity, of mirth
without extravagance; he received the congratulations of his friends,
with ease, freedom, and vivacity. He sent for his foster fat