“With them, and the surgeon, you shall,” said Lord Graham; and they both retired.

Sir Philip met them below.  “My lords,” said he, “I am desirous that my Lord Fitz-Owen should be sent for, and that he may hear his brother’s confession; for I suspect that he may hereafter deny, what only the fear of death has extorted from him; with your permission I am determined to send messengers to-day.”

They both expressed approbation, and Lord Clifford proposed to write to him, saying, a letter from an impartial person will have the more weight; I will send one of my principal domestics with your own.  This measure being resolved upon, Lord Clifford retired to write, and Sir Philip to prepare his servants for instant departure.  Edmund desired leave to write to father Oswald, and John Wyatt was ordered to be the bearer of his letter.  When the Lord Clifford had finished his letter, he read it to Sir Philip and his chosen friends, as follows:—­

“Right Hon.  My good lord,—­ I have taken upon me to acquaint your Lordship, that there has been a solemn combat at arms between your brother-in-law, the Lord Lovel, and Sir Philip Harclay, Knt. of Yorkshire.  It was fought in the jurisdiction of the Lord Graham, who, with myself, was appointed judge of the field; it was fairly won, and Sir Philip is the conqueror.  After he had gained the victory he declared at large the cause of the quarrel, and that he had revenged the death of Arthur Lord Lovel his friend, whom the present Lord Lovel had assassinated, that he might enjoy his title and estate.  The wounded man confessed the fact; and Sir Philip gave him his life, and only carried off his sword as a trophy of his victory.  Both the victor and the vanquished were conveyed to Lord Graham’s castle, where the Lord Lovel now lies in great danger.  He is desirous to settle his worldly affairs, and to make his peace with God and man.  Sir Philip Harclay says there is a male heir of the house of Lovel, for whom he claims the title and estate; but he is very desirous that your Lordship should be present at the disposal of your brother’s property that of right belongs to him, of which your children are the undoubted heirs.  He also wants to consult you in many other points of honour and equity.  Let me intreat you, on the receipt of this letter, to set out immediately for Lord Graham’s castle, where you will be received with the utmost respect and hospitality.  You will hear things that will surprise you as much as they do me; you will judge of them with that justice and honour that speaks your character; and you will unite with us in wondering at the ways of Providence, and submitting to its decrees, in punishing the guilty, and doing justice to the innocent and oppressed.  My best wishes and prayers attend you and your hopeful family.  My lord, I remain your humble servant,

        Clifford.”

Every one present expressed the highest approbation of this letter.  Sir Philip gave orders to John Wyatt to be very circumspect in his behaviour, to give Edmund’s letter privately to father Oswald, and to make no mention of him, or his pretensions to Lovel Castle.