"Father," she replied, blushing deeply, "I will hide nothing from you.I love him."
"I grieve to hear the avowal," he said. "But you must conquer thepassion--'twill be easy to do so in the commencement. Sir Richardwould never consent to your union with an obscure adventurer. Itherefore forbid you in your father's name to think further of theyoung man. Any hopes you may have indulged must be crushed at once."
"But I cannot--will not treat him in this way, father."
"I charge you to dismiss him. Recollect you are the daughter andheiress of Sir Richard Rawcliffe. You have committed a greatimprudence: but the error must be at once repaired. Disobedience to myinjunctions would be as culpable as disobedience to your father, whomI represent. Again I say the young man must be dismissed."
Before she could make any answer, the door opened, and the very personin question entered, accompanied by Monica.
"He has come to receive his sentence," said the priest, in a low,unpitying tone.
"Not now," she cried, with a supplicating look.
"Yes, now," he rejoined, coldly.
On this he went up to Monica, and telling her he had something to say,led her out of the room, leaving Atherton and Constance alonetogether.
"I fear I have come at a most inopportune moment," said the young man,who could not fail to be struck by her embarrassment.
"You have come at the close of a very severe lecture which I have justreceived from Father Jerome," she replied. "He blames me for theencouragement I have given you, and forbids me, in my father's name,to see you again."
"But you do not mean to obey him?" cried Atherton. "Surely you willnot allow him to exercise this control over you? He is acting withoutauthority."
"Not entirely without authority, for my father is guided by his advicein many things. This must be our last interview."
"Oh! say not so. You drive me to despair. Give me some hope--howeverslight. May I speak to Sir Richard?"
"'Twould be useless," she replied, sadly. "Father Jerome has convincedme that he never would consent to our union. No, we must part--partfor ever!"
"You have pronounced my doom, and I must submit. Oh! Constance--for Iwill venture to call you so for one moment--I did not think you couldhave so quickly changed!"
"My feelings towards you are unaltered," she rejoined. "But I amobliged to put a constraint upon them. We must forget what haspassed."
"The attempt would be vain on my part," cried Atherton, bitterly. "Oh!Constance, if you knew the anguish I now endure you would pity me. ButI will not seek to move your compassion--neither will I reproachyou--though you have raised up my hopes only to crush them. Farewell!"
"Stay--one moment!" she cried. "I may never have an explanation withyou----"
"I do not want an explanation," he rejoined. "I can easily understandwhy Father Jerome has given you this counsel. So long as a mysteryattaches to my birth, he holds that I have no right to pretend to yourhand. That is his opinion. That would be Sir Richard's opinion."
"No, it could not be my father's opinion," she cried.
"Why do you think so?" he exclaimed, eagerly.
She was hesitating as to the answer she should give him, when thepriest reappeared. He was alone.
"You are impatient for my departure, sir," said Atherton. "But youneed not be uneasy. Miss Rawcliffe has followed your advice. All is atan end between us."
With a farewell look at Constance, he then passed out.
CHAPTER IV.
GENERAL SIR JOHN MACDONALD.
Towards evening, on the same day, Lord Pitsligo's regiment of horse,commanded by General Sir John MacDonald--Lord Pitsligo, owing to hisage and infirmities, being compelled to occupy the prince'scarriage--entered the town.
The two divisions of the Highland army were left respectively at Wiganand Leigh. Lord Pitsligo's regiment, though its numbers were small,scarcely exceeding a hundred and fifty, made a very good show, beingcomposed chiefly of gentlemen--all wearing their national costume, andall being tolerably well mounted.
General MacDonald had ordered the official authorities to meet him atthe Cross, and he found the two constables waiting for him there; butan excuse was made for the boroughreeve. The general demanded quartersfor ten thousand men to be ready on the morrow, when the prince wouldarrive with the army, and immediate accommodation for himself, hisofficers, and men; intimating that his followers must not be treatedlike common troopers.
Declaring that they acted on compulsion, the constables, who were verymuch awed by Sir John's manner, promised compliance with hisinjunctions. They recommended him to take up his quarters for thenight at the Bull's Head, and undertook that the Highland gentlemencomposing the troop should be well lodged.
Satisfied with this promise, General MacDonald rode on to themarket-place, attended by his officers, while the troopers werebilleted without delay under the direction of the constables and theirdeputies.
It may be thought that the arrival of this regiment--one of the bestin the Highland army--would have created a much greater sensation thanthe trivial affair of the morning. But such was not the case. SergeantDickson, being first in the field, gained all the glory. The popularexcitement was over. No shouting crowds followed General MacDonald tothe Black Bull, and the streets were almost empty, as the trooperswere billeted.
Later on, the all-important bellman was sent round to give notice thatquarters for ten thousand men would be required next day. At the sametime a fresh prohibition was issued against the removal of provisions.
Among the few whose curiosity took them to the neighbourhood of theCross to witness the new arrival, were Beppy and her father. They werejoined by Atherton Legh, who had been wandering about in a verydisconsolate state ever since his parting with Constance.
Remarking that he looked very much dejected, Beppy inquired the cause,and easily ascertained the truth; and as she regarded Constance in thelight of a rival, she was not sorry that a misunderstanding hadoccurred between them. Naturally, she did her best to cheer the youngman, and though she could not entirely cure his wounded feelings, shepartially succeeded.
From the Cross the little party proceeded to the marketplace, and asthey drew near the Bull's Head they were surprised to see Sir RichardRawcliffe, who had evidently just alighted, and was conversing withGeneral MacDonald at the entrance to the inn. No sooner did thebaronet descry Dr. Byrom than he called to him, and presented him tothe general, who shook hands with him very cordially.
But Sir Richard's conduct towards Atherton was marked by greatrudeness, and he returned the young man's salutation in a very distantand haughty fashion, and as if he scarcely recognised him.
"Apparently Sir Richard has quite forgotten the important service yourendered him," remarked Beppy, who could not help noticing the slight.
Deeply mortified, Atherton would have turned away, but she induced himto remain, and shortly afterwards he was brought forward unexpectedly.
General MacDonald being much struck by his appearance, inquired hisname, and on hearing it exclaimed:
"Why this is the young man who delivered you from arrest, Sir Richard.Have you nothing to say to him?"
"I have already thanked him," replied the baronet, coldly. "And heshall not find me ungrateful."
"Zounds! you have a strange way of showing your gratitude."
Atherton could not help hearing these observations, and he immediatelystepped up and said with great haughtiness:
"I have asked no favour from you, Sir Richard, and will accept none."
The baronet was so confounded that he could make no reply. Bowing toGeneral MacDonald, Atherton was about to retire, but the other stoppedhim.
"There is one thing you will accept from Sir Richard, I am sure," hesaid, "and that is an apology, and I hope he will make you a handsomeone for the rudeness with which he has treated you."
"I cannot discuss private matters in public, Sir John," saidRawcliffe. "But from what I have heard since my return--and I havecalled at my sister's house an
d seen Father Jerome--I think I havegood reason to complain of Mr. Atherton Legh's conduct."
"I must bear what you have said in silence, Sir Richard, and with suchpatience as I can," rejoined Atherton. "But you have no reason tocomplain of my conduct."
"I am certainly of that opinion, and I happen to know something of thematter," observed Dr. Byrom. "I think Mr. Atherton Legh has behavedremarkably well."
"Cannot the matter be adjusted?" asked General MacDonald.
"Impossible," replied Sir Richard. "And I am sure you will agree withme, Sir John, when I give you an explanation in private."
"But you are bound to state, Sir Richard," said Dr. Byrom, "that Mr.Atherton Legh's conduct has been in no respect unbecoming agentleman."
"That I am quite willing to admit," rejoined the baronet.
"And with that admission I am satisfied," observed Atherton.
"'Tis a thousand pities the difference, whatever it may be, cannot beamicably arranged," said the general; "but since that appearsimpracticable, 'twill be best to let the matter drop."
Then turning to Dr. Byrom, he added, "Am I wrong, doctor, in supposingthat the young lady standing near us is your daughter. If so, praypresent me to her."
Dr. Byrom readily complied, and Sir John seemed delighted by the zealwhich the fair damsel displayed in the Jacobite cause.
"I see you already wear the white rose," he said, glancing at thefavour which she had pinned on her breast.
"It was given me by Helen Carnegie," replied Beppy.
"And you needn't scruple to wear it, for she is as honest andtrue-hearted a lassie as ever breathed," said Sir John. "I know allabout her. Though she has been exposed to many temptations, hercharacter is quite irreproachable."
"You hear what General MacDonald says, papa?" cried Beppy. "Itconfirms the good opinion I had formed of her. She seems to me topossess a great many good qualities, and at all events I admire herromantic attachment to her lover. Still, I don't think I should havebeen so very much charmed with her if she hadn't been so exceedinglypretty."
"Ay, there's her danger," cried Sir John. "But I trust she will cometo no harm. I hear Sergeant Dickson has brought her with him in hisadvance-march. 'Tis a bold step."
"But it has proved successful," said Beppy. "They have gained morethan a hundred recruits."
At this moment the beating of a drum was heard, followed by a shoutthat seemed to proceed from the direction of Market Street Lane, athoroughfare which turned out of the market-place on the left near theExchange.
Immediately afterwards Sergeant Dickson and his companions made theirappearance, followed by a great number of young men, all of whomturned out to be volunteers.
As soon as Dickson became aware of the arrival of Sir John MacDonald,he led his large company of recruits towards the inn, and drawing themup in front of the house, dismounted and presented himself to thegeneral.
Helen alighted at the same time, but did not come forward.
While this movement took place, all the officers had issued from thecourt-yard, and collected near their leader.
"Well, Dickson," cried MacDonald, glancing at the band of young mendrawn up before him. "Are these your recruits?"
"They are, general," replied the sergeant, proudly. "And I trustColonel Johnstone will be satisfied with me."
"You have done well, that's certain," said Sir John. "But, to speaktruth, how many of these fine young fellows do you owe to Helen?"
"I can't tell, general. 'Tis enough for me that they've agreed toserve King James."
"Nay, then, I must question her."
At a sign from the sergeant, Helen left her horse with Rollo, andstepping forward, made Sir John a military salute.
She had now thrown off the plaid shawl which she had worn while onhorseback, so that the exquisite symmetry of her lower limbs, set offby the tartan hose, was revealed. Her tiny feet were almost hidden bythe buckles in her shoes.
Beppy gazed at her with admiration, and thought she looked even betterthan she had done on horseback. But she had other and more ardentadmirers than Miss Byrom. Among the officers was a Captain Lindsay, avery handsome young man, who had long been desperately enamoured ofher, but had managed to constrain his passion. He now kept his eyesconstantly fixed upon her, and strove--though vainly--to attract herattention. Whenever Helen met his ardent glances, she turned aside hergaze.
"Aweel, Helen," cried MacDonald; "I have been congratulating thesergeant on his success. But I think he mainly owes it to you, lassie.A blink o' your bonnie blue een has done more than all his fairspeeches."
"You are mista'en, general," replied Helen. "I may have gained adizen, but not mair."
"You do yourself an injustice, lassie. Half those brave lads belong toyou."
"I could tell you how many she enlisted at the Cross, for I waspresent at the time," remarked Beppy.
"Then you must needs tell the general that I enlisted yerself, fairleddy, and that ye promised to find me a recruit," said Helen.
"And so I will," said Beppy. "Can I do aught more for you?"
"Give me a few yards of blue and white ribbon to make cockades, and Iwill thank you heartily," rejoined Helen.
"Come home with me, and you shall have as much ribbon as you require,and I will help you to make the cockades," said Beppy.
"You cannot refuse that offer, Helen," remarked General MacDonald.
"I am na like to refuse it," was the rejoinder. "The young leddy isower gude."
Helen then consulted the sergeant, who signified his assent, uponwhich she told Beppy she was ready to go with her. Excusing herself tothe general, Beppy then took her father's arm, and they set off forthe doctor's residence, accompanied by the Scottish damsel.
CHAPTER V.
HELEN CARNEGIE'S STORY.
After Helen Carnegie had partaken of some refreshment, and drunk aglass of mead, with which she was mightily pleased, she went withBeppy to the young lady's boudoir, where a basket full of blue andwhite ribbons was found upon the work-table, and they sat downtogether to make cockades--chatting merrily as they proceeded withtheir task.
By this time the frank Scottish lassie had become quite confidentialwith her new friend, and had told her simple story--explaining thatshe was merely a husbandman's daughter, and had passed eighteensummers and winters among the hills near Ruthven. She had first seenSergeant Erick Dickson at Perth, when the Highland army came there. Hehad wooed her and won her heart, but she refused to wed him till thefighting was over. She afterwards saw him at Edinburgh, after thebattle of Gladsmuir, and he pressed her so strongly to accompany himon the march to England that she consented. She had suffered far lessthan might have been expected from the fatigues of the long march, andthought she was now quite as strong and as able to endure hardship asErick himself.
"You may blame me for the bold step I have taken, dear young leddy,"she said, "and I ken fu' weel it was imprudent, but as yet I have hadno cause to repent it. I loo'd Erick dearly, an' didna like to pairtwi' him. Sae I ha' ridden by his side a' the way frae Edinburgh tothis toon, and shall gae on wi' him to Lunnon, if the prince shouldgang sae far, as Heaven grant he may! To a young leddy like yersel,siccan a life as I hae led wadna be possible, but to a mountain lassiethere's nae hardship in it, but great enjoyment. Everywhere on themarch, sin we crossed the Border, the Southrons hae shown me kindness.'Twas only to ask and have. Never have I wanted a night's lodging. Asto Erick, you will readily guess how carefully he has tented me. Buthe has never neglected his duty, and I have helped him to discharge itas far as I could. Our love has been tried, and has stood the test,and is now stronger than ever. Loosome as ye are, young leddy, ye mustneeds hae a lover, and I trust he may prove as fond and faithful asErick. Then you'll never regret your choice."
"I thank you for the good wish, Helen," said Beppy, smiling. "But Ihave no lover."
"I canna believe it. I'm much mista'en if I didna see a weel-faur'dcallant cast lovin' een upon ye in the marketplace just now. He wasnafar off when the
general spoke to me.
"Mr. Atherton Legh, I suppose you mean?" observed Beppy, blushing.
"Ay, that's his name. I heard the general ca' him sae."
"And so you have no fault to find with your lover?" said Beppy,anxious to change the subject.
"Fawt!--nane!" exclaimed Helen. "Erick hasna a fawt."
"Is he never jealous?"
"Aweel, I canna deny that he is a wee bit jealous, if ye ca' that afawt; but his jealousy only proves his love. I should be jealous myselif he talked to the lasses."
"But do you talk to the lads, Helen?"
"My certie, na! but ther win talk to me, and that makes Erick angrysometimes. But I soon laugh it off."
"Well, if it's nothing more serious than that it doesn't signify,"said Beppy. "You can't prevent the young men from paying youcompliments, you know."
"And I maun be ceevil to them in return. But there's one person thattroubles me, and troubles Erick too--Captain Lindsay. He's an officerin Lord Pitsligo's regiment. Maybe you noticed him?--a fine-lookingyoung man, taller than the rest; but weel-faur'd as he is, he's not tocompare with Erick."
"You always keep Captain Lindsay at a distance, I hope, Helen?"