Their enjoyment, however, was suddenly interrupted by a loud scream from the kitchen, whither Sir Launcelot immediately sprung, with equal eagerness and agility.

There he saw the landlady, who was a woman in years, embracing a man dressed in a sailor's jacket, while she exclaimed, "It is thy own flesh and blood, so sure as I'm a living soul .-- Ah! poor Greaves, poor Greaves, many a poor heart has grieved for thee!" To this salutation the youth replied, "I'm sorry for that, mistress .-- How does poor mother?
how does Suky Sedgemoor ?" The good woman of the house could not help shedding tears at these interrogations; while Sir Launcelot, interposing, said, not without emotion, "I perceive you are the son of Mrs.Oakley .-- Your mother is in a bad state of health, but in me you will find a real parent." Perceiving that the young man eyed him with astonishment, he gave him to understand that his name was Launcelot Greaves.
Oakley no sooner heard these words pronounced, than he fell upon his knees, and seizing the knight's hand, kissed it eagerly, crying, "God for ever bless your honour, I am your name-son, sure enough--but what of that?
I can earn my bread without being beholden to any man." When the knight raised him up, he turned to the woman of the house, saying, "I want to see mother.

I'm afraid as how times are hard with her; and I have saved some money for her use." This instance of filial duty brought tears into the eyes of our adventurer, who assured him his mother should be carefully attended, and want for nothing; but that it would be very improper to see her at present, as the surprise might shock her too much, considering that she believed him dead.

"Ey, indeed," cried the landlady, "we were all of the same opinion, being as the report went, that poor Greaves Oakley was killed in battle." "Lord, mistress," said Oakley, "there wan't a word of truth in it, I'll assure you .-- What, d'ye think I'd tell a lie about the matter?
Hurt I was, to be sure, but that don't signify; we gave 'em as good as they brought, and so parted .-- Well, if so be I can't see mother, I'll go and have some chat with Suky.
-- What d'ye look so glum for?
she an't married, is she ?" "No, no," replied the woman, "not married, but almost heart-broken.

Since thou wast gone she has done nothing but sighed, and wept, and pined herself into a decay.