The old man, with a faltering voice, cried out:
“Now I have lived long enough! I have seen my master’s son acknowledged for the heir of Lovel!”
The hall echoed with his words, “Long live the heir of Lovel!”
The Baron took Edmund’s hands in his own:
“Let us retire from this crowd,” said he; “we have business of a more private nature to transact.”
He led to the parlour, followed by Sir Philip and the other gentlemen.
William retired, and presently returned with his brother and sister. They kneeled to their father, who raised and embraced them. He then called out, “William!--Edmund!--come and receive my blessing also.”
They approached hand in hand, they kneeled, and he gave them a solemn benediction.
“Your friendship deserves our praise, my children! love each other always! and may Heaven pour down its choicest blessings upon your heads!”
They rose, and embraced in silent raptures of joy. Edmund presented his friend to Sir Philip.
“I understand you,” said he; “this gentleman was my first acquaintance of this family; he has a title to the second place in my heart; I shall tell him, at more leisure, how much I love and honour him for his own sake as well as yours.”
He embraced the youth, and desired his friendship.
She approached with tears on her check, sweetly blushing, like the damask rose wet with the dew of the morning.
“I must ask you a serious question, my child; answer me with the same sincerity you would to Heaven. You see this young man, the heir of Lovel! You have known him long; consult your own heart, and tell me whether you have any objection to receive him for your husband. I have promised to all this company to give you to him; but upon condition that you approve him: I think him worthy of you; and, whether you accept him or not, he shall ever be to me a son; but Heaven forbid that I should compel my child to give her hand, where she cannot bestow her heart! Speak freely, and decide this point for me and for yourself.”
The fair Emma blushed, and was under some confusion; her virgin modesty prevented her speaking for some moments. Edmund trembled; he leaned upon William’s shoulder to support himself. Emma cast her eye upon him, she saw his emotion, and hastened to relieve him; and thus spoke in a soft voice which gathered strength as she proceeded: