And turning, she perceived Colonel Townley, who had just entered theroom with her father.
"I have already drunk it," she replied. "But I have wine enough leftto drink 'Success to the Manchester Regiment,' and I do so."
And she again raised the glass to her lips.
Colonel Townley bowed, and expressed his thanks.
"More champagne," he cried to the attendants. "Gentlemen," he added,to his officers, "let us drink to Miss Rawcliffe and the ladies whohave helped to raise the regiment."
Due honour was done to the toast. As Atherton bowed to Constance, sheregarded him coldly, and scarcely acknowledged the attention.
"Something is wrong," thought Colonel Townley. "I must endeavour toset it right. You will be pleased to hear, Miss Rawcliffe," he said,"that his royal highness fully appreciates the service you haverendered him. I took care to tell him the Manchester Regiment owedCaptain Legh to you."
"The circumstance was scarcely worth mentioning," she rejoined, withaffected indifference.
"The prince thought otherwise," remarked Colonel Townley. "I will notrepeat the flattering things he said----"
"Oh, pray do not!" she interrupted. "I would rather not hear them."
"But they relate chiefly to Captain Legh."
"Then keep them for his private ear," she rejoined.
The colonel shrugged his shoulders and said no more.
Just then the pipers stationed in the court began to play, and as thehall-door stood open, the lively strains resounded through the house,and made the Highland officers eager for a dance.
They began to talk about Scotch reels and other national dances, ofwhich the young ladies had never heard, but they did not venture topropose any such agreeable exercise, as it would have been contrary toetiquette.
The pipers, in fact, had been ordered to play as an intimation to theassemblage that the prince's levee was over, and as soon as this wasunderstood the company began to depart.
Colonel Townley offered his arm to Constance, and conducted her to theentrance-hall, where they found Sir Richard Rawcliffe, Dr. Byrom, andseveral other gentlemen who were waiting for their wives anddaughters.
As soon as the young ladies had been consigned to their naturalprotectors, Colonel Townley turned to Atherton, and said:
"You will return at eight o'clock to-night, Captain Legh. You arebidden to the supper by the prince. I was specially commanded to bringyou. His royal highness seems to have taken a fancy to you. But tellme!--what is the cause of the misunderstanding between you and MissRawcliffe?"
"I know not," replied Atherton. "But she looks coldly upon me--and herfather has treated me with great rudeness."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Colonel Townley. "I will have an explanation fromhim. Remember that the regiment will be paraded in St. Ann's Square atten o'clock to-morrow."
They then separated, and Atherton quitted the house.
The court was filled by the Highland body-guard and the pipers. Thelatter, drawn up in two lines, through which the company passed, weremaking a prodigious din, greatly to the delight of the crowd collectedin the street.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE ILLUMINATIONS.
The town now presented a most extraordinary appearance, and looked asif occupied by a hostile army--the streets being filled with Highlandsoldiers, who were wandering about, staring at the houses and shops,and besieging the taverns.
The townspeople seemed on very good terms with their visitors, and theoccupants of the houses at which the soldiers were billeted receivedthem as well as could be expected.
By this time all the principal personages connected with the Highlandarmy had taken possession of the quarters assigned them, and sentrieswere placed at the doorways or at the gates.
Large bonfires were lighted in various parts of the town--in themarket-place, in Spring Fields, on Shude Hill, on Hunt's Bank, and atthe foot of the bridge, and preparations were made for a generalillumination at night.
Nothing was neglected by the magistrates. In obedience to theinjunctions they had received from Mr. Murray, they attended at theTown Cross to assist at the proclamation of his Majesty King James theThird. A large concourse assembled to witness the ceremony, andshouted lustily at its conclusion.
As yet, no disturbance whatever had occurred--for the Whigs andPresbyterians consulted their own safety by remaining quiet, wellknowing if they made a demonstration they would be quicklyoverpowered. Consequently, the town continued tranquil.
As soon as it became dusk, the illuminations commenced. They weregeneral, for no one dared to disobey the order, and the obnoxiousWhigs and Presbyterians burnt more candles than their Jacobiteneighbours. But the display did not save their windows. A large mobarmed with bludgeons went about the town shouting, "Long live KingJames the Third, and Charles, Prince Regent!" and when they came to ahouse the owner of which was offensive to them, a great smashing ofglass took place.
No efforts were made to check these lawless proceedings. Every licensewas allowed the mob, so long as they confined their playful attentionsto the opposite party. For the sufferers there was no redress, sincethe streets swarmed with Highland soldiers who enjoyed the sport.
Additional excitement was given by the pipers, who marched aboutplaying loudly upon their shrill instruments. What with the bonfires,the illuminations, the uproarious crowd, the Highlanders, and thepipers, the ordinary aspect of the town seemed entirely changed.
The spectacle was so novel and curious, that many of the gentler sexcame forth to witness it, and it must be said, to the credit of thecrowd, that the ladies experienced no sort of annoyance.
Luckily the night was fine, though sufficiently dark to give fulleffect to the illuminations.
Beppy and her father, accompanied by Atherton, walked about for nearlytwo hours, and Miss Byrom declared it was the prettiest sight she everbeheld. She had seen an illumination before, but never on so grand ascale, while the strange accompaniments greatly amused her.
Oddly enough, the illuminations in the old parts of the town were moreeffective than in the modern streets. With their lattice windowslighted up, the ancient habitations looked exceedingly picturesque.
But by far the most striking object in the town was the collegiatechurch. Partly buried in gloom--partly revealed by the bonfireskindled in its vicinity, the flames of which were reflected upon itsmassive tower, battlements, and buttresses--the venerable pile wasseen to the greatest advantage. Very few, however, except the personswe have mentioned, cared to gaze at it. Those who crossed thechurchyard made the best of their way to the streets, to see theilluminations and mingle with the crowd.
After bidding good-night to his friends, Atherton repaired to the onlyhouse in Manchester which was not illuminated.
But though the prince's residence was not lighted up, abundantevidence was furnished that a grand entertainment was about to takeplace inside it. The Highland guard was drawn up in two lines,extending from the gate to the doorway, and through this avenue allthe nobles, chiefs of clans, and officers who were invited to sup withthe prince, made their way into the house.
Some of them arrived in sedan-chairs, but the majority came on foot,since no coaches could be procured. But however they came, theirappearance was greeted with cheers by the concourse collected in frontof the mansion, and many an eye followed them as the door was flungopen to give them admittance.
Naturally, Atherton felt elated on finding himself among so importantan assemblage; but a great distinction was reserved for him.
It chanced that the prince was in the hall as he entered, and onseeing him, his royal highness addressed him with the most graciousfamiliarity, and taking him apart, said:
"Captain Legh, I am going round the town after supper, and I mean totake you with me."
Atherton bowed.
"I am told the illuminations are very good, and I want to see them.But I do not desire to be recognised, and I shall therefore take noother attendant except yourself."
Again Atherton b
owed deeply--his looks expressing his gratification.
"Do not mention my purpose," continued the prince, "as I would nothave it known. Some of my immediate attendants would insist onaccompanying me, and I would rather be without them. In a word, I wishto be incognito, like the Caliph Haroun Al Raschid."
"Your royal highness may rely on my discretion," said Atherton.
"After supper," pursued the prince, "when the company has begun todisperse, come to this hall, and wait till I appear."
Atherton bowed profoundly, and the prince passed on.
CHAPTER XVII.
A QUARREL AT SUPPER.
Shortly afterwards, supper was served in the dining-room. The repastwas profuse, but no great ceremony was observed, for the prince suppedin private with the Duke of Perth, the Marquis of Tullibardine, LordGeorge Murray, and some other nobles.
Atherton sat next to Colonel Townley, who took the opportunity ofgiving him some instructions as to the duties he would have todischarge.
"The men will be drilled previous to the muster to-morrow," said thecolonel, "and I hope we shall get through it tolerably well. Everyallowance will be made for raw recruits. In a few days they will havelearnt their duties, and all will be right."
On the opposite side of the table sat Sir Richard Rawcliffe, andAtherton remarked that the baronet's eye was often fixed suspiciouslyupon him. Colonel Townley also made the same remark.
"Sir Richard is far from pleased to see you here," he observed. "Fromsome cause or other he seems to have taken a strong aversion to you."
"You are acquainted with my history, I know, colonel," said Atherton."I cannot help thinking that Sir Richard, if he chose, could clear upthe mystery that hangs over my birth."
This observation, which was not made in a very low tone, reached thequick ears of the baronet, who darted an angry look at the speaker.
"Colonel Townley," he said, "pray tell your neighbour that I amtotally ignorant of his parentage."
"That does not satisfy me," cried Atherton, addressing the baronet. "Iam determined to have an explanation."
Sir Richard laughed contemptuously, but made no reply.
"This discussion cannot be prolonged," said Colonel Townley, whoperceived that the attention of those near them was attracted to whatwas passing. "But some explanation must be given."
No more was said at the time, but when supper was over, and thecompany had risen from the table, Colonel Townley followed thebaronet, and taking him apart, said to him, in a grave tone:
"You have publicly insulted Captain Legh, Sir Richard. He demands anapology."
"I have none to make," rejoined the baronet, haughtily.
"In that case, Captain Legh will require satisfaction, and an earlymeeting must be appointed."
"I decline to meet Captain Legh," said the baronet.
"On what ground?" demanded Colonel Townley.
"I do not consider myself bound to give any reason for my refusal.Enough that I will not meet him."
"Your pardon, Sir Richard. 'Tis not enough for me. Since you declineto apologise to Captain Legh, or to give him satisfaction, you willhave to fight me."
"If you think proper to espouse his quarrel, I will not balk you. TheChevalier de Johnstone, I am sure, will act for me, and your secondcan make all necessary arrangements with him."
"The affair must not be delayed. Will an early hour to-morrow morningsuit you?"
"Perfectly," replied Sir Richard. "As early as you please."
"Swords, of course?" said the colonel.
"Swords, by all means."
Bowing stiffly towards each other, they then separated, and ColonelTownley repaired to the entrance-hall, where he expected to findAtherton.
As he was looking round, he noticed the Chevalier de Johnstone, andgoing up to him, inquired if he had seen Captain Legh.
"Yes," replied Johnstone; "he was here not a minute or two ago. But hehas gone upon a nocturnal ramble with the prince. You lookincredulous--but 'tis even so. His royal highness has just gone forthto see the illuminations, or in quest of some adventure, and has takenCaptain Legh with him. As he passed quickly through this hall theprince did not stop to speak to any one, but signed to Captain Legh,who instantly followed him. This is all I have to relate; but itproves that the young man is in high favour. His royal highness wasmuffled in a plaid shawl, different from the one he usually wears, andotherwise disguised; but I knew him."
"'Tis strange he did not take his aide-de-camp, Colonel Ker, with him,in preference to Captain Legh," remarked Colonel Townley. "But I havesomething to say to you in reference to an affair in which thishighly-favoured young man is concerned. Sir Richard Rawcliffe refusesto offer satisfaction to Legh for the rudeness he offered him atsupper. I have taken up the quarrel, for I will not allow an officerin my regiment to be insulted. You won't refuse, I presume, to act asRawcliffe's second?"
"Certainly not," replied Johnstone. "But I wish the duel could beprevented. It seems a very trifling matter to fight about."
"I think Sir Richard has behaved very badly to the young man, and Iwill have an apology from him."
"Well, since it must be so, there is no help. Send your second to me."
"Colonel Ker will be my second. I will send him to you as soon as hemakes his appearance."
"Meantime, I will consult Sir Richard--though I don't fancy he willapologise."
He then went in quest of the baronet, whom he soon found, whileColonel Townley seated himself in the hall with the intention ofawaiting Atherton's return.
CHAPTER XVIII.
CAPTAIN WEIR.
Muffled in a plaid shawl, and otherwise disguised, as we have said,the prince passed unrecognised through the guard, and taking his waydown Market Street Lane, proceeded to a short distance, and thenhalted to allow Atherton to overtake him.
In uncovering the lower part of his face to speak to the young man,Charles betrayed himself to an individual who had seen him come forthfrom the mansion, and suspecting his condition, had followed himcautiously.
This person, whose name was Weir, and who acted as a spy to the Dukeof Cumberland, had conceived the daring idea of capturing the prince,and sending him prisoner to the duke, whose head-quarters were atLichfield. He had been stimulated by the hope of a large reward toundertake this desperate project. A price of thirty thousand poundshad been set upon Charles Edward's head, and though Weir shrank fromassassination, he had no scruples as to capturing the prince, neitherwas he deterred by the extraordinary danger of the attempt. All hewanted was an opportunity to execute his design.
Captain Weir, as he was styled, though he had no real military rank,usually acted alone, but on this occasion he had three subordinateofficers with him, on whose courage and fidelity he could perfectlyrely. They were now close at hand, watching his movements, and waitingfor orders. Like himself, they were all well armed.
Signing to these personages to follow him, Captain Weir continued totrack the prince's course down Market Street Lane.
Meanwhile, the young Chevalier was marching along quietly, withAtherton by his side, never for a moment imagining he was in danger,or even that his disguise had been detected.
Scores of Highland soldiers were in the street, but none of them knewtheir commander-in-chief. Had they done so, they would have formed aguard round his person. But this was precisely what Charles objectedto. Wherever there was a crowd he strove to avoid it; but theobstructions were frequent. He was rejoiced, however, to perceive thatthe white cockade everywhere prevailed, while such observations asreached him indicated that the populace was decidedly favourable tohis cause.
It was such honest expressions of opinion as these that he desired tohear, and where a group of persons were talking loudly, he stopped tolisten to their discourse.
As may well be supposed, he cared little for the illuminations exceptas evidencing the goodwill of the townsfolk, but he was struck by thepicturesque appearance of the old houses when thus lighted up. Afterseveral halts from one cause or othe
r, he and Atherton at last reachedthe market-place.
Here, in the centre of the area, was a large bonfire, with a greatcrowd collected round it. Moreover, a barrel of ale, provided by themagistrates, had just been broached, enabling the crowd to drink theprince's health, coupled with that of his august sire, James theThird, in flowing cups.
Much amused by the scene, Charles stopped to look at it, as well as toexamine the curious picture presented by the illuminated market-place.
While he was thus occupied, a sudden movement in the throng separatedhim from his attendant, and he was endeavouring to free himself fromthe press when a strong grasp was laid upon his arm.
The person who had thus seized him was no other than Sergeant Dickson.
"Unmuffle, and show your face, if you be not ashamed of it," cried thesergeant. "I suspect you are a Hanoverian spy. I have heard there aresome in the town, and you don't look like a Highland officer."
"Hands off, fellow," said the prince, authoritatively. "Help me out ofthe crowd."
"Help you to escape! not I!" cried Dickson. "Unmuffle, I say, and letus see your face."
Several of the bystanders now called out, "A spy! a spy!" and Charleswould have been unpleasantly circumstanced, if Helen Carnegie, who wasnear the sergeant, had not interposed.
"You are wrong, Erick," she cried. "This is no spy. Release him."
But the sergeant was not inclined to part with his prisoner, and wasonly prevented from plucking the covering from his face by Atherton,who by this time had forced his way up.
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