scarcely realise this great, this
overwhelming happiness. Again and again he embraced that tender mother,
who, for so many years had watched over him like a guardian angel, and
smoothed the rugged path he had been forced to tread.

When the first emotions of joy had in some degree subsided, and he was
calm enough to listen to the account of how this happy change had been
brought about, Lady Margaret told him that the new sovereign,
immediately on his accession, had declared his intention of restoring to
their rights all those nobles who had been dispossessed of their lands
and titles by Edward the Fourth; and that Sir Lancelot Threlkeld, on
hearing this, had proceeded to the court, with Sir John Saint John of
Bletso, in order to make known to the king that the heir of the late
Lord Clifford was still in existence. She said she had that morning
received intelligence from Sir Lancelot that the royal decree was
already passed for the restoration of Clifford's son to all his father's
lands and dignities, and it was with the utmost surprise Henry now
learned, for the first time, how immense were the possessions to which
he was entitled; for, besides the great estates of Skipton and Brougham,
his inheritance comprised the castles, manors, and lordships of Appleby,
Pendragon, Brough, and Mallerstane Chase in Westmoreland; Barden Tower,
Copley Feld, and other manors in Yorkshire; with lands and castles in
Cumberland, Northumberland, Derbyshire, Worcestershire and Surrey.
Clifford's Inn, which is now used as law offices and chambers, in Fleet
Street, was then a nobleman's mansion with beautiful gardens; and this
was Lord Clifford's residence in London.

No wonder the humble shepherd should be dazzled and astonished to find
himself all at once the lord of those vast domains; and not only these,
but all the Bromflete estates, that had belonged to Lord de Vesci, his
grandfather, were now his by right of inheritance. It would be
impossible to describe the joy of the worthy couple who had so long
performed the part of parents to the shepherd lord, at the wondrous turn
of fortune that had raised him once more to the elevated sphere that was
his birthright.

"We have lost a son," said old Robin, "but we have found a noble master;
and may heaven grant him a long life to enjoy his own."

"Think not, my father, that you have lost a son," said Henry, pressing
the old man's hand with affectionate warmth. "I shall be ever a son to
yo