"Soon after a messenger arrived with tidings that he was alive and
well, and had obtained leave to return home immediately.
"I instantly dispatched my two emissaries to intercept him on the way.
He made so much haste to return, that he was met within a mile of his
own castle; he had out-rode his servants, and was alone. They killed
him, and drew him aside out of the highway. They then came to me with
all speed, and desired my orders; it was then about sunset. I sent
them back to fetch the dead
body, which they brought privately into the castle: they tied it neck
and heels, and put it into a trunk, which they buried under the floor
in the closet you mentioned. The sight of the body stung me to the
heart; I then felt the pangs of remorse, but it was too late; I took
every precaution that prudence suggested to prevent the discovery; but
nothing can be concealed from the eye of Heaven.
"From that fatal hour I have never known peace, always in fear of
something impending to discover my guilt, and to bring me to shame; at
length I am overtaken by justice. I am brought to a severe reckoning
here, and I dread to meet one more severe hereafter."
"Enough," said the priest; "you have done a good work, my son! trust in
the Lord; and, now this burden is off your mind, the rest will be made
easy to you."
Lord Lovel took a minute's repose, and then went on.
"I hope by the hint you gave, Sir Philip, the poor lady is yet alive?"
"No, sir, she is not; but she died not till after she brought forth a
son, whom Heaven made its instrument to discover and avenge the death
of both his parents.
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