"
Edmund offered to reply; but Sir Philip bad him be silent, and let him
proceed in his
own way.
He then led him over his estate, and shewed him every thing deserving
his notice; he told him all the particulars of his domestic economy,
and they returned home in time to meet their friends at dinner.
They spent several days in consulting how to bring Sir Walter to
account, and in improving their friendship and confidence in each
other. Edmund endeared himself so much to his friend and patron, that
he declared him his adopted son and heir before all his friends and
servants, and
ordered them to respect him as such. He every day improved their love
and regard for him, and became the darling of the whole family.
After much consideration, Sir Philip fixed his resolutions, and began
to execute his purposes. He set out for the seat of the Lord Clifford,
attended by Edmund, M. Zadisky, and two servants. Lord Clifford
received them with kindness and hospitality.
Sir Philip presented Edmund to Lord Clifford and his family, as his
near relation and presumptive heir; They spent the evening in the
pleasures of convivial mirth and hospitable entertainment. The next day
Sir Philip began to open his mind to Lord Clifford, informing him that
both his young friend and himself had received great injuries from the
present Lord
Lovel, for which they were resolved to call him to account; but that,
for many reasons, they were desirous to have proper witnesses of all
that should pass between them, and begging the favour of his Lordship
to be the principal one.
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