him severely, and at length threatened to turn him out of doors; he
used to run here and there on errands for my people, and at length they
obliged me to take notice of him; my sons earnestly desired I would
take him into my family; I did so about two years ago, intending to
make him their servant; but his extraordinary genius and disposition
have obliged me to look upon him in a superior light; perhaps I may
incur the censure of many people, by giving him so many advantages, and
treating him as the companion of my children; his merit must justify or
condemn my partiality for him; however, I trust that I have secured to
my children a faithful servant of the upper kind, and a useful friend
to my family."

Sir Philip warmly applauded his generous host, and wished to be a
sharer in his bounty to that fine youth, whose appearance indicated all
the qualities that had endeared him to his companions.

At the hour of dinner the young men presented themselves before their
Lord, and his guest. Sir Philip addressed himself to Edmund; he asked
him many questions, and received modest and intelligent answers, and he
grew every minute more pleased with him. After dinner the youths
withdrew with their tutor to pursue their studies. Sir Philip sat for
some time wrapt up in meditation. After some minutes, the Baron asked
him, "If he might not be favoured with the fruits of his
contemplations?"

"You shall, my Lord," answered he, "for you have a right to them. I was
thinking, that when many blessings are lost, we should cherish those
that remain, and even endeavour to replace the others. My Lord, I have
taken a strong liking to that youth whom you call Edmund Twyford; I
have neither children nor relations to claim my fortune, nor share my