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bation , he was determined to make proposals in chis own behalf to the earl of Devonshire , anddoubted not to obtain his , as well as theyoung lady’s , consent to the marriage. Edgar,pleased with an expedient for establishing hisfavourite’s fortune , not only exhorted him toexecute his purpose, but forwarded his success byhis recommendations to the parents of Elfrida ;and AtheKvold was soon made happy in thepossession of his mistress. Dreading, however,the detection of the artifice , he employed everypretence for detaining Elfrida in the country,and for keeping her at a distance from Edgar.

The violent passion of Athelwoid had renderedhim blind to the necessary consequences, whichmust attend his conduct , and the advantages ,which the numerous enemies, that always pursuea royal favourite , would , by its means, be ableto take against him. Edgar was soon informed ofthe truth ; but before he would execute venge-ance on Athehvold’s treachery , he resolved tosatisfy himself with his own eyes of the certaintyand full extent of his guilt. He told him, that heintended to pay him a visit in his castle , and beintroduced to the acquaintance of his new-marriedwife; and AtheKvold , as he could not refusethe honour, only craved leave to go before hima few hours, that he might the better prepareevery thing for his reception. He then discoveredthe whole matter to Elfrida; and begged her,if she had any regard , either to her own honouror his life , to conceal from Edgar , by everv

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