[Here follows an interval of four years, as by the manuscript; and this omission seems intended by the writer.  What follows is in a different hand, and the character is more modern.]

. . . . . . .

About this time the prognostics of Sir Philip Harclay began to be verified, that Edmund’s good qualities might one day excite envy and create him enemies.  The sons and kinsmen of his patron began to seek occasion to find fault with him, and to depreciate him with others.  The Baron’s eldest son and heir, Master Robert, had several contests with Master William, the second son, upon his account:  This youth had a warm affection for Edmund, and whenever his brother and kinsmen treated him slightly, he supported him against their malicious insinuations.  Mr. Richard Wenlock, and Mr. John Markham, were the sisters sons of the Lord Fitz-Owen; and there were several other more distant relations, who, with them, secretly envied Edmund’s fine qualities, and strove to lessen him in the esteem of the Baron and his family.  By degrees they excited a dislike in Master Robert, that in time was fixed into habit, and fell little short of aversion.

Young Wenlock’s hatred was confirmed by an additional circumstance:  He had a growing passion for the Lady Emma, the Baron’s only daughter; and, as love is eagle-eyed, he saw, or fancied he saw her cast an eye of preference on Edmund.  An accidental service that she received from him, had excited her grateful regards and attentions towards him.  The incessant view of his fine person and qualities, had perhaps improved her esteem into a still foster sensation, though she was yet ignorant of it, and thought it only the tribute due to gratitude and friendship.

One Christmas time, the Baron and all his family went to visit a family in Wales; crossing a ford, the horse that carried the Lady Emma, who rode behind her cousin Wenlock, stumbled and fell down, and threw her off into the water:  Edmund dismounted in a moment, and flew to her assistance; he took her out so quick, that the accident was not known to some part of the company.  From this time Wenlock strove to undermine Edmund in her esteem, and she conceived herself obliged in justice and gratitude to defend him against the malicious insinuations of his enemies.  She one day asked Wenlock, why he in particular should endeavour to recommend himself to her favour, by speaking against Edmund, to whom she was under great obligations?  He made but little reply; but the impression sunk deep into his rancorous heart; every word in Edmund’s behalf was like a poisoned arrow that rankled in the wound, and grew every day more inflamed.  Sometimes he would pretend to extenuate Edmund’s supposed faults, in order to load him with the sin of ingratitude upon other occasions.  Rancour works deepest in the heart that strives to conceal it; and, when covered by art, frequently puts on the appearance of candour.  By these means did Wenlock and Markham impose upon the credulity of Master Robert and their other relations:  Master William only stood proof against all their insinuations.