They approached the bed; they undrew the curtains. He thought the man said, “Is this our child? ” The woman replied, “It is; and the hour approaches that he shall be known for such. ” They then separated, and one stood on each side of the bed; their hands met over his head, and they gave him a solemn benediction. He strove to rise and pay them his respects, but they forbad him; and the lady said, “Sleep in peace, oh my Edmund! for those who are the true possessors of this apartment are employed in thy preservation; sleep on, sweet hope of a house that is thought past hope! “

Upon this, they withdrew, and went out at the same door by which they entered, and he heard them descend the stairs. After this, he followed a funeral as chief mourner; he saw the whole procession, and heard the ceremonies performed. He was snatched away from this mournful scene to one of a contrary kind, a stately feast, at which he presided; and he heard himself congratulated as a husband, and a father; his friend William sat by his side; and his happiness was complete. Every succeeding idea was happiness without allay; and his mind was not idle a moment till the morning sun awakened him. He perfectly remembered his dreams, and meditated on what all these things should portend. “Am I then, ” said he, “not Edmund Twyford, but somebody of consequence in whose fate so many people are interested? Vain thought, that must have arisen from the partial suggestion of my two friends, Mr. William and old Joseph. “

He lay thus reflecting, when a servant knocked at his door, and told him it was past six o’ clock, and that the Baron expected him to breakfast in an hour. He rose immediately; paid his tribute of thanks to heaven for its protection, and went from his chamber in high health and spirits. He walked in the garden till the hour of breakfast, and then attended the Baron.

“Good morrow, Edmund! ” said he; how have you rested in your new apartment? “

“Extremely well, my lord, ” answered he.

“I am glad to hear it, ” said the Baron; “but I did not know your accommodations were so bad, as Joseph tells me they are. “

”’ Tis of no consequence, ” said Edmund; “if they were much worse, I could dispense with them for three nights. “

“Very well, ” said the Baron; “you are a brave lad; I am satisfied with you, and will excuse the other two nights. “

“But, my lord, I will not be excused; no one shall have reason to suspect my courage; I am determined to go through the remaining nights upon many accounts. “

“That shall be as you please, ” said my Lord. “I think of you as you deserve; so well, that I shall ask your advice by and by in some affairs of consequence. “

“My life and services are yours, my lord; command them freely. “

” Let Oswald be called in, ” said my Lord; “he shall be one of our consultation. ” He came; the servants were dismissed; and the Baron spoke as follows:

“Edmund, when first I took you into my family, it was at the request of my sons and kinsmen; I bear witness to your good behaviour, you have not deserved to lose their esteem; but, nevertheless, I have observed for some years past, that all but my son William have set their faces against you; I see their meanness, and I perceive their motives: but they are, and must be, my relations; and I would rather govern them by love, than fear. I love and esteem your virtues: I cannot give you up to gratify their humours. My son William has lost the affections of the rest, for that he bears to you; but he has increased my regard for him; I think myself bound in honour to him and you to provide for you; I cannot do it, as I wished, under my own roof. If you stay here, I see nothing but confusion in my family; yet I cannot put you out of it disgracefully. I want to think of some way to prefer you, that you may leave this house with honour; and I desire both of you to give me your advice in this matter. If Edmund will tell me in what way I can employ him to his own honour and my advantage, I am ready to do it; let him propose it, and Oswald shall moderate between us. “

Here he stopped; and Edmund, whose sighs almost choked him, threw himself at the Baron’ s feet, and wet his hand with his tears: “Oh, my noble, generous benefactor! do you condescend to consult such a one as me upon the state of your family? does your most amiable and beloved son incur the ill-will of his brothers and kinsmen for my sake? What am I, that I should disturb the peace of this noble family? Oh, my lord, send me away directly! I should be unworthy to live, if I did not earnestly endeavour to restore your happiness. You have given me a noble education, and I trust I shall not disgrace it. If you will recommend me, and give me a character, I fear not to make my own fortune. “

The Baron wiped his eyes; “I wish to do this, my child, butin what way? “

“My lord, ” said Edmund, “I will open my heart to you.