Edmund kneeled to the Baron, he spoke with a faltering voice:
“My Lord, I am yours! all that I have is at your devotion! dispose of me as it pleases you best.”
The Baron embraced him with the greatest affection.
“Look round you,” said he, “and salute your friends; these gentlemen came hither to do you honour.”
Edmund revived, he embraced and welcomed the gentlemen. Father Oswald received his embrace with peculiar affection, and gave him his benediction in a most affecting manner.
Edmund exclaimed, “Pray for me, father! that I may bear all these blessings with gratitude and moderation!”
He then saluted and shook hands with all the servants, not omitting the meanest; he distinguished Joseph by a cordial embrace; he called him his dear friend.
“Now,” said he, “I can return your friendship, and I am proud to acknowledge it!”
The old man, with a faltering voice, cried out:
“Now I have lived long enough! I have seen my master’s son acknowledged for the heir of Lovel!”