it; and, after prayers are over and the family gone to bed, I will steal away from my own chamber and come to you. I am strongly interested in your affairs; and I cannot be easy unless you will receive me into your company; I will bind myself to secrecy in any manner you shall enjoin.”      

       “Your word is sufficient,” said Edmund; “I have as much reason to trust you, father, as any man living; I should be ungrateful to refuse you any thing in my power to grant; But suppose the apartment should really be haunted, would you have resolution enough to pursue the adventure to a discovery?”      

       “I hope so,” said Oswald; “but have you any reason to believe it is?”      

       “I have,” said Edmund; “but I have not opened my lips upon this subject to any creature but yourself. This night I purpose, if Heaven permit, to go all over the rooms; and, though I had formed this design, I will confess that your company will strengthen my resolution. I will have no reserves to you in any respect; but I must put a seal upon your lips.”      

       Oswald swore secrecy till he should be permitted to disclose the mysteries of that apartment; and both of them waited, in solemn expectation, the event of the approaching night.     

       In the afternoon Mr. William was allowed to visit his friend. An affecting interview passed between them. He lamented the necessity of Edmund’s departure; and they took a solemn leave of each other, as if they foreboded it would be long ere they should meet again.     

       About the same hour as the preceding evening, Joseph came to conduct Edmund to his apartment.     

       “You will find better accommodations than you had last night,” said he,       “and all by my lord’s own order.”      

       “I every hour receive some new proof of his goodness,” said Edmund.     

       When they arrived, he found a good fire in the chamber, and a table covered with cold meats, and a flagon of strong beer.     

       “Sit down and get your supper, my dear Master,” said Joseph: “I must attend my Lord; but as soon as the family are gone to bed, I will visit you again.”      

       “Do so,” said Edmund; “but first, see Father 

 Prev. P 42/145 next