With a look of tender concern and affection, the youth pressed his hand and spoke—­

“My dear Edmund, you must come home with me directly; your old enemies have united to ruin you with my father; my brother Robert has declared that he thinks there will be no peace in our family till you are dismissed from it, and told my father, he hoped he would not break with his kinsmen rather than give up Edmund.”

“But what do they lay to my charge?” said Edmund.

“I cannot rightly understand,” answered William, “for they make a great mystery of it; something of great consequence, they say; but they will not tell me what:  However, my father has told them that they must bring their accusation before your face, and he will have you answer them publicly.  I have been seeking you this hour, to inform you of this, that you might be prepared to defend yourself against your accusers.”

“God reward you, sir,” said Edmund, “for all your goodness to me!  I see they are determined to ruin me if possible:  I shall be compelled to leave the castle; but, whatever becomes of me, be assured you shall have no cause to blush for your kindness and partiality to your Edmund.”

“I know it, I am sure of it,” said William; “and here I swear to you, as Jonathan did to David, I beseech Heaven to bless me, as my friendship to you shall be steady and inviolable!”

“Only so long as I shall deserve so great a blessing,” interrupted Edmund.

“I know your worth and honour,” continued William; “and such is my confidence in your merit, that I firmly believe Heaven designs you for something extraordinary; and I expect that some great and unforeseen event will raise you to the rank and station to which you appear to belong:  Promise me, therefore, that whatever may be your fate you will preserve the same friendship for me that I bear to you.”

Edmund was so much affected that he could not answer but in broken sentences.

“Oh my friend, my master!  I vow, I promise, my heart promises!”

He kneeled down with clasped hands, and uplifted eyes.  William kneeled by him, and they invoked the Supreme to witness to their friendship, and implored His blessing upon it.  They then rose up and embraced each other, while tears of cordial affection bedewed their cheeks.

As soon as they were able to speak, Edmund conjured his friend not to expose himself to the displeasure of his family out of kindness to him.

“I submit to the will of Heaven,” said he; “I wait with patience its disposal of me; if I leave the castle, I will find means to inform you of my fate and fortunes.”

“I hope,” said William, “that things may yet be accommodated; but do not take any resolution, let us act as occasions arise.”