"
"I will do this, you may depend," said Joseph, "and acquaint you with
my success as soon as possible; but, sir, you must not go without a
guide, at any rate."
"I trust I shall not," said Edmund, "though I go alone; he that has
received such a call as I have, can want no other, nor fear any
danger."
They conversed on these points till they drew near the castle, when
Joseph left them to go on his errand, and Edmund attended his Lord at
dinner. The Baron observed that he was silent and reserved; the
conversation languished on both sides. As soon as dinner was ended,
Edmund asked permission to go up into his own apartment; where he
packed up some necessaries, and made a hasty preparation for his
departure.
Afterwards he walked into the garden, revolving in his mind the
peculiarity of his situation, and the uncertainty of his future
prospects; lost in thought, he walked to and fro in a covered walk,
with his arms crossed and his eyes cast down, without perceiving that
he was observed by two females who stood at a distance watching his
motions. It was the Lady Emma, and her attendant, who were thus
engaged. At length, he lifted up his eyes and saw them; he stood still,
and was irresolute whether to advance or retire. They approached him;
and, as they drew near, fair Emma spoke.
"You have been so wrapt in meditation, Edmund, that I am apprehensive
of some new vexation that I am yet a stranger to.
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