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.
Lord Clifford gave his servant the requisite precautions. Lord Graham
added a note of invitation, and sent it by a servant of his own. As
soon as all things were ready, the messengers set out with all speed
for the Castle of Lovel.
They stayed no longer by the way than to take some refreshment, but
rode night and day till they arrived there.
Lord Fitz-Owen was in the parlour with his children; Father Oswald was
walking in the avenue before the house, when he saw three messengers
whose horses seemed jaded, and the riders fatigued, like men come a
long journey. He came up, just as the first had delivered his message
to the porter. John Wyatt knew him; he dismounted, and made signs that
he had something to say
to him; he retired back a few steps, and John, with great dexterity,
slipped a letter into his hand. The father gave him his blessing, and a
welcome.
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