knowing we all must die, yet I am for conscience-sake a most determined enemy to duelling, by which my grandfather lost his life; I therefore had insuperable objections to the latter part of his proposal; and seeing him also accompanied by a gentleman of a very martial appearance, who, though offering himself as second only, seemed by far more terrible than his principal, I thought good to compromise the matter, and executed a bond, obliging myself under a very heavy penalty (not less than twenty thousand pounds) to wed the lady on the expiration of three months to come. Now as every one must acknowledge the uncommon merits of Mrs. Rachel Ap Owen, and none can be more sensible of them than I am, I console myself with the reflection, that if I shall be perfectly recovered from my bruises, when the time comes that our union is to take place, it may prove the happy means of restoring that antient and accustomed harmony between our families, which with much regret I understand has of late been interrupted. You are thus possessed of what I have to say, and as I suspect that my father will be adverse to this hasty match; and doubt if even Cecilia with all her candour will be entirely reconciled to it, I conjure you by your filial duty and affection, if you find them obstinate in their opposition, to come over in person to my relief and comfort; forasmuch I am bound not to stir from this country, and so closely watched that, were I disposed to attempt it, I am certain the attempt would be frustrated, and perhaps be fatal. “This is the first letter I ever wrote to you; lay it to your heart: recollect that you are my son, and if haply you possess that active spirit of your ancestors, which has not descended upon me, take pity on my situation, and hasten to the rescue of your affectionate, but afflicted, father-- “PHILIP DE LANCASTER.” Philip had just time to set his name to this lamentable epistle, when a young gentleman of good person and elegant address, who had been announced by the name of Devereux, entered the room. He understood Mr. De Lancaster to be in habits of friendship with Sir David Ap Owen, and, if he had not been misinformed, they were near neighbours in Merionethshire. Philip said he had been rightly informed. They were near neighbours. Sir David’s seat at Penruth was not above four miles from Kray Castle, where he lived with his father. Penruth has been represented to me, said the gentleman, as a very fine old venerable mansion--Philip nodded assent--And the estate about it very considerable; indeed, as I have been told, very capital. I have been told the same, Philip said; but I am not curious about people’s estates. Sir Owen, this young gentleman’s uncle, lived very handsomely, and very hospitably, upon it. That is all I know of the matter.