"
The Sunday after the funeral Edmund threw off his mourning, and
appeared in a dress suitable to his condition. He received the
compliments of his friends with ease and cheerfulness, and began to
enjoy his happiness. He asked an audience of his fair mistress, and was
permitted to declare the passion he had so long stifled in his own
bosom. She gave him a favourable hearing, and in a short time confessed
that she had suffered equally in that suspense that was so grievous to
him. They engaged themselves by mutual vows to each other, and only
waited the Baron's pleasure to complete their happiness; every cloud
was vanished from their brows, and sweet tranquillity took possession
of their bosoms. Their friends shared their happiness; William and
Edmund renewed their vows of everlasting friendship, and promised to be
as much together as William's other duties would permit.
The Baron once more summoned all his company together; he told Edmund
all that had passed relating to his brother in-law, his exile, and the
pilgrimage of Zadisky; he then related the circumstances of Sir
Robert's engagement to Lord Clifford's daughter, his establishment in
his uncle's seat, and his own obligations to return time enough to be
present at the marriage: "But before I go," said he, "I will give my
daughter to the heir of Lovel, and then I shall have discharged my duty
to him, and my promise to Sir Philip Harclay."
"You have nobly performed both," said Sir Philip, "and whenever you
depart I shall be your companion.
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