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!