He was ready enough with his words, and, addressing himself to De Lancaster, spoke as follows—Mr. President, it is not my good fortune to possess any great property in this county, but I hold it in as much honor and respect, as any gentleman here present, being perhaps of as antient standing, none excepted, not even yourself, Mr. De Lancaster, whom we are all proud to see at the head of this table as our steward, and shall be still prouder to see you there in good time as our representative.
A clapping of hands, and a vehement clatter of glasses, ensued—The speaker as soon as silence was restored, proceeded—Mr. President, I am sorry to say that a great and grievous disgrace has been cast upon this country by the infamous conduct of as dire a wretch, as ever went into his grave unhanged. I mean the late Sir David Ap Owen; I speak out; I am no slanderer. And now, Mr. President, I am informed, (whether truly or not you perhaps can tell) that there is a near relation of that wretch, who has so disgraced us, actually present in this company.
I am that person, said young Roberts, instantly starting up, and cutting him short in his oration. I am nephew to the late worthy Sir Owen Ap Owen, and of course first cousin to the late unworthy heir of his title and estate. Now, sir, if my presence, gives you on that account any umbrage, I am ready to leave the company, provided you go with me; for having the honour to wear the King’s commission, I am not willing to disgrace it by putting up with an affront from you, or any man alive, who can prove himself a gentleman.
Several persons now rose at the same time, and called upon the orator for an apology, when upon John De Lancaster’s appealing to be heard in right of office, all were silent and sate down—Gentlemen, he said, I am persuaded, that a very few words in the way of explanation will set this matter right, without disturbing the peace of the company, or wounding the feelings of any person present. It would be hard indeed upon my friend Mr. Roberts, it would be hard upon me, who am proud to call him by that name, if, because he inherits the estate of an antient and respectable family in this county, the guilt of that man, through whose hands it passed in its descent to him, could be supposed to cast the slightest stain upon his character: that I am sure was not the purpose of the gentleman, who was pleased to address himself to me. He spoke upon the impulse of an honest indignation against one, who is far enough removed from this assembly, not from the premeditated motive of putting an affront upon a gentleman, whose company confers an honour, wheresoever he bestows it. If therefore I conjecture rightly of my worthy countryman at the other end of the table, I will put it to the proof by calling upon him to pledge me in a toast, which I will give to the health and prosperity of our new neighbour, Charles Roberts esquire, the present heir and owner of Penruth Abbey.
Instantly, without a moment’s loss, the orator started on his legs, and having filled his glass to the brim, with a loud voice, directed to Mr. Roberts, cried amain, that he hoped he would accept of his apology, and that he drank his health with all his heart. When the toast had gone round, the young heir of the Ap Owens rose, and having made his acknowledgments to the company, professed himself perfectly satisfied with the testimony, which the gentleman, who addressed the president, had been pleased to give of his good opinion of him. Thus by the temperate and manly interference of our hero, the spirit of discord, which for a time had worn so menacing an aspect, was expelled, and harmony and goodfellowship reinstated in its stead.
CHAPTER IX.
The History is concluded.
When John De Lancaster returned to Kray Castle, Edward Wilson communicated to him a letter, which he had from Anderton, of which the following is the substance:
“Dear Sir!
“Having at length settled all my temporal affairs, nothing remains for me in this world but to prepare my mind to meet that awful moment, which must soon dismiss me from it. I rather think my complaint has gained upon me, since my residence in London, and the physician, whom I have consulted, tells me that I must positively lose no time in seeking out some country-house in a better climate and a purer air. From what passed between us on our passage, (which, though you may have forgotten, I never can) I have cherished hopes, that perhaps your benevolence may induce you to procure for me a situation in your neighbourhood, where I may enjoy the comfort of your edifying and instructive conversation. Could I obtain this blessing, it would be all I wish for; I should die content. If you return a favourable answer, I shall instantly set out, and I flatter myself that by easy stages I may accomplish the journey: if on the contrary you reject my suit, I have only to thank you for your favours past, resign myself to despair, and bid you everlastingly farewel.”
When John De Lancaster had read thus far, he eagerly enquired of Wilson what answer he had returned to this pitiable appeal. I have told him, replied Wilson, that I am about to fix my residence in the parish, of which I am the minister, and as my parsonage house is by the bounty of your grandfather rendered perfectly commodious, and has the further recommendation of being situated in a fine air and very beautiful spot, I shall very gladly receive him in it, and shew him all the attentions in my power for such time as it may suit him to make use of it.