They had not been many days in Westmoreland, and they were seated around the hospitable hearth of the good knight in peace, when two horsemen arrived at the door.
“It is our friend, Mr. Duncan, and a stranger!” said the Covenanter, as he beheld them from the window.
“They are welcome—for your sake, they are welcome,” said Sir Frederic; and while he yet spoke, the strangers entered. “My son, my son!” he continued, and hurried forward to meet him.
“Say also your daughter!” said Edward Mowbray, as he approached towards Mary, and pressed her to his breast.
“Philip!—my own Philip!” exclaimed Mary, and speech failed her.
“My brother!” said Daniel.
“He was dead, and is alive again—he was lost, and is found,” exclaimed John. “O, Philip, man! do ye forgi’e me?”
The adopted son pressed the hand of his foster-father.
“It is enough,” replied the Covenanter.
“Yes, he forgives you!” exclaimed Mr. Duncan; “and he has forgiven me. When we were in prison and in bonds waiting for death, he risked his life to deliver us, and he did deliver us; and a second time he has rescued me from the sword of the destroyer, and from the power of the men who thirsted for my blood. He is no enemy o’ the Covenant—he is the defender o’ the persecuted; and the blessing o’ Andrew Duncan is all he can bequeath, for a life twice saved, upon his deliverer, and Mary Brydone.”