"It will be better, perhaps, that Colonel Townley should present himto your royal highness," said Sir Richard.
The reluctance displayed by the baronet did not escape the prince,whose perceptions were very acute, but a glance at Constance servedpartly to explain matters to him, and he remarked with apparentindifference:
"Be it so;" adding significantly, "I shall not forget that I amindebted to you, Miss Rawcliffe, for this brave young recruit."
It was now Jemmy Dawson's turn to be presented, and he had no cause tocomplain of his reception. The few words said to him by the princewere calculated to rouse his zeal, while they highly gratified Monica.
"I can claim as much credit as my cousin Constance," she said. "Eachof us has brought a recruit; and we both feel equally sure your royalhighness will be well served."
By this time Mrs. Butler had recovered from her faintness, andperceiving that her gaze was anxiously fixed upon him, the prince wentto speak to her.
"You have something to say to me, madam, methinks?" he observed.
"I only desire to tell you, prince, that I have prayed daily for therestoration of your royal house. You will therefore understand what myfeelings must be when I behold you at the head of an army determinedto wrest the crown of this kingdom from the usurper who now wears it.May Heaven strengthen your arm, and fight for you, so that you mayregain your own, and the rights and liberties of your faithfulsubjects may be preserved, and the old religion be restored!"
"I have come to win a kingdom for my royal father, or to perish in theattempt," said Charles Edward, energetically.
"Victory awaits you, prince," she cried. "I feel assured of it. Thetidings of your triumph will efface my sad recollections of the formerill-starred attempt, and I shall die content."
"My sister lost one who was very dear to her, in the fatal affair of'15," remarked Sir Richard.
"I cannot wonder then that she should have sad memories connected withthat unfortunate struggle," said the prince, in a tone of profoundsympathy. "Farewell, madam. I hope you will have no more to mourn--butmany to greet as victors."
He then addressed the two fair damsels, expressing a hope that hemight see them again during his brief stay in Manchester; after which,with a graceful inclination of his person towards the party, hestepped back, and resumed his place in the line of march.
Before, however, the troops could be put in motion, another slightinterruption occurred. It was caused by the Rev. Mr. Clayton, thechaplain of the collegiate church.
Mr. Clayton, as will be conjectured from what we are about to narrate,was a Jacobite and a Nonjuror.
Taking advantage of the halt, he threw himself at the prince's feet,and in most fervent tones implored the Divine blessing on hishead--praying that the enterprise on which he was engaged might provesuccessful.
As the chaplain was in full canonicals the incident caused a greatsensation, and was particularly gratifying to the prince.
When the benediction was concluded, and Mr. Clayton had retired, theword was given, the pipers began to play as loudly as before, and themarch was resumed.
Shortly afterwards, Prince Charles Edward crossed the bridge, and,amid loud acclamations, entered Manchester.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE PRINCE'S MARCH TO HEAD-QUARTERS.
No sooner did the vast assemblage collected near the approaches to thebridge distinguish the tall graceful figure of the young Chevalieramid the throng of Scottish nobles and chiefs, than all heads wereinstantly uncovered, and a loud cry arose of "Long live King James theThird, and Prince Charles Edward!"
At the same time a band of musicians, stationed at Tom Syddall's door,and directed by the Jacobite barber in person, struck up the old airof "The king shall have his own again." But this could scarcely beheard amid the din caused by the pipers.
Most of the open windows on either side of the street were adorned bydamsels dressed in white, and these fair adherents to the royal Houseof Stuart now leaned forward and waved their handkerchiefs to theprince.
Such a demonstration could not be otherwise than highly gratifying tothe young Chevalier, and he bowed and smiled in acknowledgment of thesalutations offered him, the grace of his manner eliciting freshcheers.
So greatly was the crowd excited, that it was with difficulty theforemost ranks could be prevented from pressing on the prince, who,however, would not allow his body-guard of Highlanders to interfere.
No untoward circumstance marred the general satisfaction. Bells werepealing blithely, drums beating, pipes playing, colours flying, menshouting, kerchiefs waving all the way from the bridge to themarket-place, where a brief halt was made.
Having been joined by his secretary, Mr. Murray, who explained wherehis head-quarters were situated, the prince resumed his march, stillpreceded by the pipers, and attended by his body-guard of Highlanders.On reaching the house designed for him, he entered it with his suite,and disappeared from the view of the shouting crowd who had followedhim. The pipers and the Highland guard drew up in the court-yard.
A sumptuous repast had been prepared in the dining-room, and to thisCharles and his attendants at once sat down.
Little repose, however, was allowed the indefatigable prince. Thechief magistrates, Mr. Fowden and Mr. Walley, were waiting to conferwith him in the audience-chamber, across which, in accordance with Mr.Murray's suggestion, a green silk curtain had been drawn--the stuff,however, being slight in texture, the persons on either side thehanging could be easily distinguished.
The magistrates, therefore, seeing the prince enter the room, attendedby Mr. Murray and Sir Thomas Sheridan, bowed profoundly, and theirobeisances were graciously returned.
Charles Edward then seated himself, and the conference was opened byhis secretary.
"His royal highness thanks you, gentlemen," said Mr. Murray, "for theexcellent arrangements made for him, and desires to express hisgratification at the enthusiastic reception given him on his entranceinto your loyal town. He will now have to put the zeal and devotion ofyour fellow-townsmen to the test."
"In what way, sir?" demanded Mr. Walley, uneasily. "We have givenorders that the whole of the prince's forces shall be billeted, andhave directed the excise-money to be sent to you as treasurer. Whatfurther proof can we give of our desire to serve his royal highness?"
"I will explain, gentlemen, in a word," replied the secretary. "Theprince requires a subsidy from the town of five thousand pounds. Warcannot be carried on without money, and our coffers are well-nighemptied."
"I fear it will be impossible to raise that amount," said Mr. Fowden.
"We should grieve to have to levy the money by force, but we must haveit. Consult together, gentlemen, and give us your answer."
After a moment's deliberation with his brother magistrate, Mr. Fowdenasked if half the amount would not suffice; whereupon Charlesremarked, in a loud peremptory tone, "Bid them furnish three thousandpounds--not less."
"You hear, gentlemen. Three thousand pounds must be furnished to thetreasury without delay. You know the penalty of neglect."
"We will do our best," said Mr. Fowden. "But pray give us tillto-morrow."
"Be it so," replied the secretary.
The magistrates then asked if the prince had any further commands.
"His Majesty King James the Third will be proclaimed at the Cross,"said Mr. Murray; "and it is necessary that both of you should bepresent at the ceremony. It is also necessary that one of you shouldrepeat the proclamation."
The magistrates tried to excuse themselves, but the secretary cut themshort, saying, "You have nothing to fear, gentlemen. We will make itappear you are acting on compulsion. But take care that the prince'smanifesto and declaration, copies of which will be delivered to you,are distributed to the crowd. And now, gentlemen, we will not detainyou longer. His royal highness expects to see you to-morrow--with themoney."
The audience then terminated, and the magistrates, who were full ofperplexity, quitted the chamber. The prince and his companio
ns laughedvery heartily when they were gone.
Several other persons were admitted to a private interview, afterwhich the prince adjourned to a much larger room which had beenprepared for his receptions.
CHAPTER XV.
THE PRINCE'S LEVEE.
The room had a very brilliant appearance, being crowded with officersof high rank. In the antechamber all who desired the honour of apresentation were assembled.
On the entrance of the prince, who proceeded towards the upper end ofthe room, and took up a station there, all the nobles and heads ofclans formed a semicircle around him--those nearest his royalhighness, on the right and left, being the Duke of Perth, the Marquisof Tullibardine, the Marquis d'Eguilles, Lords George Murray,Pitsligo, Nairne, Kilmarnock, and Balmerino.
The first persons to approach the prince were Colonel Townley and theChevalier de Johnstone, the latter of whom, as already stated, beingaide-de-camp to Lord George Gordon.
Colonel Townley, who was in full uniform, wore a plaid waistcoat, anda plaid sash lined with white silk. He came to inform the prince thatthe Manchester Regiment was now embodied, and would be paraded on themorrow.
"The deficiency in men, of which I complained to your royal highness,has been made good by Colonel Johnstone, who has delivered over to meall the recruits raised for him in this town by Sergeant Dickson."
"You have done well, colonel," remarked the prince, approvingly, toJohnstone. "How many men has Sergeant Dickson enlisted?"
"Nearly two hundred," was the reply. "They are all fine fellows, andwill make excellent soldiers."
"I esteem myself singularly fortunate in obtaining them," observedColonel Townley. "I was almost in despair, not being able to findfifty volunteers myself."
"Sergeant Dickson deserves promotion," said the prince. "I am toldthat he entered the town, attended only by Helen Carnegie and adrummer."
"It is perfectly true," replied Johnstone. "I would not detract fromthe brave fellow's merit; but without Helen he would have donenothing."
"Between them they have raised the Manchester Regiment," remarkedColonel Townley, "and saved me a vast deal of trouble."
"Have all the officers joined?" asked the prince.
"All," replied Townley. "Two of them are in the ante-chamber. CaptainsJames Dawson and Atherton Legh. May I have the honour of presentingthem to your royal highness?"
Charles Edward having graciously signified his assent, Colonel Townleybowed and retired, reappearing in another moment with the two youngofficers in question.
They now wore the uniform of the regiment--red faced with white--andlooked so well that Colonel Townley felt very proud of them as he ledthem towards the prince, by whom they were received with the utmostcondescension.
Atherton Legh's appearance seemed particularly to please him, and atthe close of the brief interview, he desired him to remain in thehouse, as he had some orders to give him.
Much gratified by the command, Atherton bowed and retired with hisfriend.
Several other presentations then took place, which need not berecorded, the two persons chiefly distinguished by the prince's noticebeing Dr. Deacon and Dr. Byrom.
To the latter he said many flattering things well calculated togratify him; towards the other he adopted a more serious tone, andthanked him earnestly for the zealous attachment he had always shownto the royal cause.
"You have proved your devotion in many ways, doctor," he said, "butnever more than in causing your three sons to enrol themselves in theManchester Regiment. I thank you in the king my father's name, and inmy own."
"Heaven grant that my sons may serve your royal father well, mostgracious prince!" said Dr. Deacon. "I can only aid you with myprayers."
Overcome by his emotion, he then bowed deeply and retired.
At this juncture the doors of the ante-chamber were thrown open, and abevy of ladies, all attired in white, and wearing plaid sashes, cameforth, imparting a much more lively character to the scene.
Most of these fair Jacobites were young, and many of them beingexceedingly pretty, it is not wonderful that their appearance shouldproduce an effect upon the excitable Highlanders, who did not care toconceal their admiration of the Southron beauties. Their assiduities,however, did not seem disagreeable to the Manchester damsels.
Meantime the ladies were conducted in succession to the prince, andeach had the honour of kissing his hand. Some of them received apretty compliment into the bargain. So well turned were thesecompliments, and so captivating the smiles that accompanied them, thatthe younger damsels were quite bewitched, and declared that socharming a prince had never been seen.
By far the prettiest of those presented was Beppy Byrom, who was quiteas much influenced as any of the others by the witchery of theprince's manner.
As she drew near, she scarcely dared to raise her eyes towards him,but a few pleasant words soon set her at her ease, and the smile thatlighted up her fair features so improved their expression that Charleswas as much charmed with her as she was with him.
After their presentation the ladies were taken to an adjoiningparlour. It fell to Atherton's lot to conduct Beppy to this room,which was crowded with fair damsels and Highland officers, laughing,chattering, and quaffing champagne. Large glasses of the same winewere offered them on their entrance, and having drunk the appointedtoast with enthusiasm, they seated themselves on a sofa.
Whether the excitement of the occasion gave unwonted lustre to Beppy'seyes, we know not, but it is certain that Atherton felt their forcemore than he had ever done before.
"I wonder whether you will return to Manchester when the campaign isover, Captain Legh?" she inquired, looking rather languishingly at himas she spoke.
"Does Miss Byrom care to see me again?" he asked. "If so, I shall makea point of coming back, supposing I am able to do so."
"You pay me a great compliment," she remarked. "But surely, I am notthe only person you desire to see again? You must have many dearfriends?"
"I have none," he replied, rather gloomily. "You know I am quite alonein the world. If I fall in this expedition, not a tear will be shedfor me."
"There you are mistaken," she rejoined, in a sympathetic tone. "Butyou speak rather bitterly. I fear you have been badly treated."
"No, I have no right to complain. I am only paying the penalty of myfolly. I have been deluded by false hopes; but I shall try to act moresensibly in future."
"An excellent resolution, and I trust you will keep to it. Never fallin love again--if you can help it. That's my advice."
"But you don't expect me to follow it?"
"I have no influence over you, and cannot therefore expect you to beguided by my counsels. But I repeat--don't fall in love again."
"The warning comes too late," he said. "I must make a desperateeffort, or I shall be caught in fresh toils."
"Well, the effort can be easily made, since you are going away."
"But I shall carry the remembrance with me. I shall not forget ourpresent conversation, and if I return I will remind you of it."
"I have very little faith in the promise. By that time you willprobably have changed your mind."
"You must entertain a very poor opinion of me, Miss Byrom, if youreally think so."
"I don't imagine you differ from the rest of your sex. Men areproverbially inconstant. 'Out of sight, out of mind,' you know."
"On my return you will find me unchanged," he said.
So engrossed was Atherton by the young lady near him, that he had notnoticed the entrance of Constance, with Jemmy Dawson and Monica. Butchancing to look up at the moment, he perceived her standing at alittle distance, with her large eyes fixed upon him. The expression ofher countenance showed that she had overheard what had passed betweenhim and Miss Byrom. With a disdainful glance, she moved away with herfather.
Atherton was quite confounded, and for a moment could not speak, butat length he stammered:
"Do you see who is in the room?"
"Miss Rawcliffe you mean,"
replied Beppy. "Yes, I saw her come in. Idid not tell you, because I fancied you had no longer any interest inher. But I begin to think you have not so completely shaken off yourfetters as you imagined. If all is at an end, why should her presencetrouble you?"
"I am not quite master of my feelings," he rejoined.
"So I perceive," said Beppy. She then added, in a good-natured tone:"Well, we have stayed here long enough. Let us go."
Much relieved by the proposal, the young man instantly arose, andoffering her his arm, prepared to quit the room.
But, in making their way through the crowd, they were soon brought toa stand-still, and found themselves face to face with Constance.
By this time Atherton had recovered his self-possession, and bowedcoldly, and his salutation was as distantly returned. Beppy, however,who had some little malice in her composition, rather enjoyed thesituation, and not feeling inclined to put an end to it, immediatelyengaged Miss Rawcliffe in conversation, and left Atherton to Monicaand Jemmy Dawson.
Fain would he have escaped, but he could not leave Beppy, who, indeed,did not relinquish her hold of his arm. Luckily, champagne was broughtby the attendants, and everybody took a glass, as in duty bound.
Again the prince's health was drunk, and with as much enthusiasm asbefore, though Beppy only placed the glass to her lips.
"You have not done justice to the toast, Miss Byrom," cried a voicenear her.