"I cannot tell," replied Constance. "But I hope papa will not disobeythe prince."
"Surely he will not," cried the other.
"All will depend upon the counsel given him," said Constance."Unluckily, Father Jerome is no friend to Atherton Legh."
"But your influence will prevail."
"You are quite mistaken, Monica. Papa won't listen to me. You saw howsternly he regarded me just now. He is displeased with me, as if Iwere to blame, because things have gone contrary to his wishes."
"I cannot conceive why he dislikes Atherton so much," said Monica,"but I am sure his aversion is most unreasonable."
"I hoped it might be overcome," sighed Constance, "but I now begin todespair. Even the prince, I fear, will not be successful."
"Do you think Sir Richard has an ill-adviser?" remarked Monica,significantly.
"I hope not," rejoined Constance.
Let us now see what passed between Sir Richard and the priest whenthey were closeted together.
For a few moments the baronet seemed indisposed to commence theconversation; but as Father Jerome remained silent, he forced himselfto speak.
"I am placed in a very awkward dilemma, as you are doubtless aware,"he said, "and scarcely know how to act. Having consented to meetAtherton Legh in the prince's presence I am unable to retreat withhonour, and yet I cannot answer certain questions that will inevitablybe put to me."
"Can you not brave it out?" rejoined Father Jerome. "The prince cannotbe acquainted with any secret matters connected with this young man."
"He knows more than is desirable," rejoined the baronet. "Some one hasevidently informed him that I have acted as the young man's guardian."
"Mr. Marriott cannot have betrayed your confidence?" remarked FatherJerome.
"I do not think so," rejoined the other.
"Who else can have given the information?" observed the priest. "Haveyou no suspicion?"
"Ha! a light flashes upon me. Should it be so!--though I would fainhope not--the meeting would be doubly dangerous--for she is to bepresent."
"I can set your mind at rest. She knows nothing more than this onefact."
"But that may lead to a discovery of all the rest," cried Sir Richard.
"Not since you are prepared. 'Tis a pity the packet was left withher?"
"'Twas a great error, I admit. But I will not commit another imprudentact. I will not be interrogated by the prince."
"Again I say you had better brave it out than fly--and fly you must ifyou neglect to obey the prince's commands. Your disappearance willgive rise to unpleasant suspicions."
"But some excuse may be framed. You can help me. You have a readywit."
"Well, the invention must be plausible, or it won't pass. Suppose yougo to Rawcliffe Hall to fetch some documents, which are necessary to afull explanation of this matter. You intend to come backto-morrow--but are unavoidably detained--and do not return till theprince has left Manchester."
"That will do admirably!" cried Sir Richard eagerly. "You have savedme. You must take my excuse to the prince. He will then believe it."
"But to give a colour to the excuse you must really go to RawcliffeHall."
"I require no urging," rejoined Sir Richard. "I am most anxious to getaway, and heartily regret that I ever joined the insurrection. I wishI could make terms with the Government."
"Perhaps you may be able to do so--but of that hereafter," rejoinedthe priest. "First effect a secure retreat. I will do all I can tocover it."
"I will set off at once," said Sir Richard. "But I must take leave ofmy daughter."
"Better not," said the priest. "I will bid her adieu for you."
Sir Richard suffered himself to be persuaded, and presently left theroom. Ordering his horse, on the pretext of attending the muster ofthe Manchester Regiment, he rode out of the town.
Not till some quarter of an hour after the baronet's departure didFather Jerome present himself to the two damsels, who were alarmed atseeing him appear alone.
"Where is papa?" exclaimed Constance eagerly.
"He has started for Rawcliffe," replied the priest.
"Gone!--without a word to me! Impossible!" she cried.
"'Tis nevertheless true," replied Father Jerome, gravely. "He wishedto avoid any discussion. He has gone to fetch certain documents,without which he declines to appear before the prince."
"His highness will regard it as an act of disobedience, and will bejustly offended," cried Constance.
"I do not think so, when I have explained matters to him," rejoinedthe priest.
"I am not to be duped," said Constance, bitterly. "Atherton will learnnothing more."
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE PRINCE ATTENDS SERVICE AT THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH.
This being the festival of St. Andrew, as already intimated, theScottish nobles and chiefs desired that a special morning serviceshould be performed for them at the collegiate church, andarrangements were accordingly made for compliance with their request.
Prayers were to be read by the Rev. William Shrigley, one of thechaplains, and an avowed Nonjuror, and the sermon was to be preachedby the Rev. Mr. Coppock, chaplain to the Manchester Regiment, who waschosen for the occasion by the prince.
A certain number of men from each regiment being permitted to attendthe service, the whole of the nave, except the mid aisle, which wasreserved for the officers, was entirely filled by Highland soldiers,and as the men were in their full accoutrements, and armed withtargets, claymores, and firelocks, the effect was exceedinglystriking.
Yet more imposing was the scene when the long central aisle wascrowded with officers--when the side aisles were thronged with thetownspeople, and the transepts were full of ladies. Those present onthat memorable occasion, and whose gaze ranged over the picturesquecrowd of armed mountaineers, could not fail to be struck by the tall,graceful pillars on either side the nave, with their beautiful pointedarches, above which rose the clerestory windows--with the exquisitelymoulded roof enriched with sculptures and other appropriateornaments--with the chantries--and with the splendidly carved screenseparating the choir from the nave.
The choir itself, with its fine panelled roof and its thirtyelaborately carved stalls--fifteen on each side--was reserved for theprince, and the nobles and chiefs with him.
These stalls, with their florid tabernacle work, gloriously carvedcanopies, and pendent pinnacles of extraordinary richness and beauty,were admirably adapted to the occasion. In front of the sedilia werebook-desks, encircled with armorial bearings, cognisances, andmonograms.
Around the chancel were several exquisite chantries, most of thempossessing screens of rare workmanship; and in these chapels manyimportant personages connected with the town, or belonging to theJacobite party, were now assembled.
In the Lady chapel were some of the fellows of the church, who did notcare to make themselves too conspicuous.
In the Jesus chantry were Dr. Byrom and his family, with Mr. Walleyand Mr. Fowden; and in St. John's chapel were Dr. Deacon, Mr. Cattell,Mr. Clayton, and several others.
But not merely was the interior of the sacred fabric thronged,hundreds of persons who had failed to obtain admittance were collectedoutside.
Precisely at eleven o'clock, Prince Charles Edward, mounted on arichly caparisoned charger, preceded by a guard of honour, andattended by all the nobles and chieftains belonging to his army, rodeup to the gates of the churchyard, where he alighted. A lane wasformed for him by the spectators, through which he passed, and onentering the church by the south porch, he was ceremoniously conductedto the choir, where he took his seat in the warden's stall.
Next to him sat the Duke of Perth, and on the same side were rangedthe Duke of Athole, Lord George Murray, Lord Kilmarnock, Lord Elcho,Lord Ogilvy, Lord Balmerino, and the Marquis d'Eguilles. In theopposite stalls were Lord Pitsligo, Lord Nairne, Lord Strathallan,General Gordon of Glenbucket, Colonel Ker, Secretary Murray, and SirThomas Sheridan.
From the stall occupied by the p
rince, which was the first on theright of the choir, and commanded the whole interior of the edifice,the coup-d'oeil of the nave, with its compact mass of Highlanders,was splendid, and as Charles gazed at it, he was filled with stirringthoughts, that were softened down, however, by the solemn sounds ofthe organ pealing along the roof.
Of course the Protestant form of worship was adopted; but strictRomanist as he was, Charles allowed no symptom of disapproval toescape him, but listened devoutly to Mr. Shrigley, who performed theservice admirably, being excited by the presence of the prince.
The reverend gentleman prayed for the king, but without naming thesovereign. All his hearers, however, knew that James the Third wasmeant.
Mr. Coppock was not so guarded. He prayed for James the Third, forCharles Prince of Wales, Regent of England, and for the Duke of York.
Taking for his text the words "_Render unto Caesar the things that areCaesar's_," he preached a most fiery sermon, in which he announced thespeedy restoration of the Stuart dynasty, and the downfall of theHouse of Hanover.
Whatever might have been thought of this treasonable discourse by acertain portion of the congregation, no voice was raised against it.That it pleased the prince and his attendants was sufficient for theambitious young divine.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE PRINCE INSPECTS THE MANCHESTER REGIMENT.
On coming forth from the church, Charles and his attendants found thenewly-formed Manchester Regiment drawn up in the churchyard.
The corps numbered about three hundred men; most of them being finestalwart young fellows, averaging six feet in height. Till thatmorning none of them had donned their uniforms, or even shouldered amusket, but by the exertions of Colonel Townley, the Chevalier deJohnstone, and Sergeant Dickson, they had been got into something likeorder, and now presented a very creditable appearance.
The officers looked exceedingly well in their handsome uniforms--redfaced with blue. On this occasion each wore a plaid waistcoat withlaced loops, a plaid sash lined with white silk, and had a whitecockade in his hat. In addition to the broadsword by his side, eachofficer had a brace of pistols attached to his girdle.
Though all, from the colonel downwards, were fine, handsome men,unquestionably the handsomest young man in the corps was Captain Legh.
The flag of the regiment was borne by Ensign Syddall. On one side wasthe motto--LIBERTY AND PROPERTY; on the other CHURCH AND COUNTRY.
The standard-bearer looked proud of his office. Nothing now of thebarber about Ensign Syddall. So changed was his aspect, so upright histhin figure, that he could scarcely be recognised. To look at him, noone would believe that he could ever smile. He seemed to have growntwo or three inches taller. His deportment might be somewhat toostiff, but he had a true military air; and his acquaintances, of whomthere were many in the crowd, regarded him with wonder and admiration.
The ensign, however, took no notice of any familiar observationsaddressed to him, having become suddenly haughty and distant.
With the regiment were four field-pieces.
Their chargers having been brought round, Charles and his suite rodeslowly past the front of the line--the prince halting occasionally tomake a commendatory remark to the men, who responded to thesegratifying observations by enthusiastic shouts.
"I am glad the flag of the regiment has been entrusted to you,Syddall," said Charles to the new ensign. "No one, I am sure, couldtake better care of it."
"I will defend it with my life," replied Syddall, earnestly.
This hasty inspection finished, Charles quitted the churchyard withhis suite, and rode back to his head-quarters.
The Manchester Regiment soon followed. Elated by the commendations ofthe prince, which they flattered themselves were merited, the menmarched through the market-place, and past the Exchange to St. Ann'ssquare, in tolerably good order, and in high good humour, which wasnot diminished by the cheers of the spectators. Colonel Townley thengave them some necessary orders, after which they dispersed, andrepaired to their various quarters.
CHAPTER XXV.
AN UNSATISFACTORY EXPLANATION.
Having partaken of a slight repast, the prince again mounted hischarger and rode out of the town in a different direction from any hehad previously taken, being desirous to see the country.
He was only attended by Colonel Ker and the Chevalier de Johnstone,having dismissed his guard of honour.
At that time the environs of Manchester were exceedingly pretty, andthe prospects spread out before him had a wild character of whichlittle can now be discerned. Smedley Hall formed the limit of hisride, and having gazed at this picturesque old structure, which wassituated in a valley, with a clear stream flowing past it, and a rangeof bleak-looking hills in the distance, he turned off on the left, andmade his way through a heathy and uncultivated district to KersalMoor.
From these uplands he obtained a charming view of the valley of theIrwell, bounded by the collegiate church, and the old buildings aroundit, and after contemplating the prospect for a short time, hedescended from the heights and returned to the town.
Not being expected at the time, he passed very quietly through thestreets, and reached his head-quarters without hindrance, havinggreatly enjoyed his ride.
Immediately after his return a levee was held, which being morenumerously attended than that on the preceding day, occupied nearlytwo hours.
After this he had a conference with the magistrates in the audiencechamber, and he then repaired to his private cabinet, where heexpected to find Sir Richard Rawcliffe and the others, whoseattendance he had commanded.
Constance was there and Atherton, but in place of the baronet appearedFather Jerome. Repressing his displeasure, Charles graciously salutedthe party, and then addressing Constance said:
"Why is not Sir Richard here, Miss Rawcliffe?"
"Father Jerome will explain the cause of his absence," she replied. "Ihad no conversation with him before his departure."
"Then he is gone!" cried Charles, frowning. "I trust your explanationof his strange conduct may prove satisfactory," he added to thepriest.
"The step I own appears strange," replied Father Jerome, in adeprecatory tone; "but I trust it may be excused. Sir Richard has goneto Rawcliffe Hall to procure certain documents which he desires to laybefore your royal highness."
"But why did he not ask my permission before setting out?" observedCharles, sternly.
"Unquestionably, that would have been the proper course," rejoined thepriest. "But I presume he hoped to be back in time."
"He could not have thought so," cried Charles, sharply. "The distanceis too great. He shrinks from the interrogations which he knows wouldbe addressed to him. But I will not be trifled with. I will learn thetruth. If he does not come I will send a guard for him. I will notdetain you longer now, Miss Rawcliffe," he added to Constance."Possibly, I may require your attendance again, and yours, also,father."
On this intimation Constance made a profound obeisance, and retiredwith the priest.
As soon as they were gone, the prince's countenance assumed a verysingular expression, and he said to Atherton, "What think you of allthis?"
"My opinion is that Sir Richard Rawcliffe does not mean to return, andhas sent Father Jerome to make these excuses for him," repliedAtherton.
"I have come to the same conclusion," replied Charles. "He has set myauthority at defiance, but he shall find that I can reach him. Youmust set out at once for Rawcliffe Hall, and bring him hither."
"I am ready to obey your highness's orders," replied Atherton. "I havenever seen Sir Richard's residence; but I know it is situated nearWarrington, about eighteen miles from Manchester. I can get there in acouple of hours--perhaps in less."
"Provided you bring back the unruly baronet before night I shall besatisfied," said Charles.
He then sat down at the table, on which writing materials were placed,wrote a few lines on a sheet of paper, and, after attaching the signmanual to the order, gave it to Atherton.
; "Sir Richard will not dare to resist that mandate," he said. "I do notthink a guard will be necessary. But you shall take Sergeant Dicksonwith you. You will find him with the Chevalier de Johnstone at LordGeorge Murray's quarters. Show this order to Colonel Johnstone, and hewill provide you with a good horse, and give all necessary directionsto the sergeant. He will also explain the cause of your absence toColonel Townley. Understand that you are to bring back Sir Richardwith you at all hazards."
"I will not fail," replied Atherton.
Bowing deeply, he then quitted the prince's presence, and proceeded atonce to Lord George Murray's quarters in Deansgate, where he found theChevalier de Johnstone and Sergeant Dickson.
The Chevalier de Johnstone understood the matter at once, andimmediately ordered the sergeant to provide two strong horses forCaptain Legh and himself, bidding him go well armed.
Although the sergeant was told by his colonel to lose no time, heeasily prevailed upon Atherton to let him bid adieu to Helen, who, asthe reader is aware, had found a lodging with Beppy Byrom.
Very little delay, however, occurred, for as the sergeant rode up tothe doctor's dwelling, Helen, who seemed to be on the watch, rushedout to greet him, and learnt his errand, receiving a kiss at the sametime.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE RIDE TO RAWCLIFFE HALL.
Crossing the bridge, and passing through Salford, Atherton andhis attendant proceeded at a rapid pace towards the pretty littlevillage of Pendleton. Skirting the wide green, in the midst ofwhich stood the renowned May-pole, they hastened on through apleasant country to Eccles--proceeding thence, without drawingbridle, to Barton-on-Irwell.