The company came round them, the servants flocked into the hall:  shouts of joy were heard on all sides; the Baron came and took Edmund’s hand.

“Rise, sir,” said he, “and do the honours of your house! it is yours from this day:  we are your guests, and expect from you our welcome!”

Edmund kneeled to the Baron, he spoke with a faltering voice: 

“My Lord, I am yours! all that I have is at your devotion! dispose of me as it pleases you best.”

The Baron embraced him with the greatest affection.

“Look round you,” said he, “and salute your friends; these gentlemen came hither to do you honour.”

Edmund revived, he embraced and welcomed the gentlemen.  Father Oswald received his embrace with peculiar affection, and gave him his benediction in a most affecting manner.

Edmund exclaimed, “Pray for me, father! that I may bear all these blessings with gratitude and moderation!”

He then saluted and shook hands with all the servants, not omitting the meanest; he distinguished Joseph by a cordial embrace; he called him his dear friend.

“Now,” said he, “I can return your friendship, and I am proud to acknowledge it!”

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.

“Where are my other children?” said he.

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.

“Come hither, my Emma!” said the Baron.

She approached with tears on her check, sweetly blushing, like the damask rose wet with the dew of the morning.