On this occasion Jemmy wore a green cloth riding-dress, made in thefashion of the time, with immense cuffs and ample skirts; the coatbeing laced with silver, and having silver buttons. His cocked hatsurmounted a light bob peruke. He had a sword by his side, and carrieda riding-whip in his hand.
On descrying Sir Richard, he instantly accelerated his pace, and nosooner learnt how the baronet was circumstanced than he jumped down,and offered him his horse.
Sir Richard unhesitatingly sprang into the saddle which the other hadjust quitted.
"Here is the whip," said Jemmy, handing it to him. "But the horseneeds neither whip nor spur, as you will find, Sir Richard. He willsoon take you to Preston."
"I hope to bring him back safe and sound, Jemmy," said the baronet."But if aught happens, you shall have my favourite hunter in exchange.As soon as the crowd in the market-place has dispersed, go to theBull's Head, and let the girls know how well you have mounted me, andwhither I am gone."
Addressing a few parting words to Atherton, he then dashed off,clattering over the stones as he shaped his course towards SalfordBridge.
"I envy you your good fortune, Atherton," said Jemmy, as they wereleft together. "The part you have played belonged of right to me, butI should not have performed it half so well. I wish you could go backwith me to receive Constance Rawcliffe's thanks for the service youhave rendered her father; but that must not be. Where shall I findyou?"
"I know not, for I cannot return to my lodgings. You will hear of meat Tom Syddall's. He will help me to a hiding-place."
"Ay, that he will. Our Jacobite barber is the trustiest fellow inManchester. You will be perfectly safe with him. But take care how youenter his shop. 'Tis not unlikely you may be watched. We must not haveanother arrest."
They then separated--Atherton proceeding quickly towards the bridge,not far from which the barber's shop was situated, while Jemmy Dawsonmingled with the crowd in the market-place. The magistrates were gone,but the constables blocked up the approaches to the Bull's Head.However, they readily allowed him to enter the inn.
CHAPTER XIII.
CONSTANCE MAKES A DISCOVERY.
From the deep bay-windows of the old inn Constance and Monicawitnessed all that had occurred, and were both filled with admirationat the gallantry and spirit displayed by Atherton.
Miss Rawcliffe especially was struck by the young man's courageousdeportment as he confronted the boroughreeve, and without reflectingthat he was violating the law, saw in him only her father's deliverer.
"Look, Monica!" she cried. "Has he not a noble expression ofcountenance? He is taller than any of those around him, and seems ableto cope with half a dozen such varlets as have beset him."
"He has certainly shown himself more than a match for the constables,if you mean to describe them as 'varlets,'" rejoined Monica.
"They did not dare to lay hands upon him," cried Constance. "But see,papa is coming out of the coach, and is about to address theassemblage. Let us open the window to hear what he says."
This was done, and they both waved their handkerchiefs to Sir Richardwhen he concluded his harangue.
Atherton looked up at the moment, and received a similar greeting.Constance's eloquent glances and approving smiles more than repaid himfor what he had done.
From their position the two damsels could discern all thatsubsequently took place. They beheld Sir Richard and the gallant youthwho had rescued him pass safely through the crowd, and disappear atthe lower end of the market-place.
Then feeling satisfied that the fugitives were safe, they retired fromthe window, nor did they look out again, though the shouting andtumult still continued, till Jemmy Dawson made his appearance. Bothwere delighted to see him.
"Oh, I am so glad you are come, Jemmy!" cried Monica. "What is goingon? I hope there won't be a riot?"
"Have you seen papa and Mr. Atherton Legh?" asked Constance.
"Yes, I have seen them both; and I am happy to be able to relieve youranxiety respecting Sir Richard. He is out of all danger. By this timeI trust he is a mile or two on the road to Preston. I have providedhim with a horse."
"Heaven be thanked!" she exclaimed. "But what of young Atherton Legh?I hope there is no chance of his falling into the hands of the enemy.I should never forgive myself if anything were to happen to him, for Ifeel that I incited him to this hazardous attempt."
"No doubt you did, Constance," observed Monica.
"You need not make yourself uneasy about him," said Jemmy. "He willeasily find a secure retreat till the prince appears."
There was a moment's pause, during which the lovers exchanged tenderglances, and Constance appeared preoccupied.
"Who is Atherton Legh?" she inquired, at length. "I begin to feelinterested about him."
"I would rather you didn't ask me the question," replied Jemmy. "Ican't answer it very readily. However, I will tell you all I knowabout him."
And he proceeded to relate such particulars of the young man's historyas the reader is already acquainted with.
Constance listened with great interest.
"It appears, then, from what you say, that he is dependent upon aguardian whom he has never seen, and of whose very name he isignorant."
"That is so," replied Jemmy. "But I am convinced he is a gentlemanborn."
"The mystery attaching to his birth does not lessen my interest inhim," said Constance.
"I should be surprised if it did," observed Monica. "You can give himany rank you please. I am sorry to disturb your romantic ideasrespecting him, but you must recollect he has been an apprentice to aManchester merchant, and has only just served his time."
"His career now may be wholly changed, and he may never embark intrade," said Constance. "But if he were to do so I cannot see that hewould be degraded, any more than he is degraded by having been anapprentice."
"Cadets of our best Lancashire and Cheshire families are constantlyapprenticed, so there is nothing in that," remarked Jemmy. "I repeatmy conviction that Atherton is a gentleman born. Dr. Byrom is of thesame opinion."
"Dr. Byrom may be influenced by partiality. I fancy he would like theyoung man as a son-in-law," said Monica. "Beppy Byrom certainly wouldnot object to the arrangement," she added, with a significant smilethat conveyed a good deal.
"Is Beppy Byrom pretty?" asked Constance.
"Decidedly so--one of the prettiest girls in Manchester," rejoinedMonica.
"And is Mr. Atherton Legh insensible to her attractions?" inquiredConstance, as carelessly as she could.
"That I can't pretend to say," returned her cousin. "But I shouldscarcely think he can be so."
"At all events, he pays her very little attention," remarked Jemmy.
Constance cast down her magnificent eyes, and her countenance assumeda thoughtful expression that seemed to heighten its beauty.
While she remained thus preoccupied, Monica and her lover movedtowards the window and looked out, or appeared to be looking out, forit is highly probable they only saw each other.
Presently Constance arose, and saying she desired to be alone for afew minutes, left them together.
Proceeding to her own chamber, she sat down and began to review ascalmly as she could the strange and hurried events of the morning, inwhich Atherton Legh had played a conspicuous part, and though the restof the picture presented to her mental gaze appeared somewhatconfused, his image rose distinctly before her.
The young man's singular story, as related by Jemmy Dawson, hadgreatly stimulated her curiosity, and she indulged in many idlefancies respecting him--such as will flash through a young girl'sbrain--sometimes endeavouring to account for the mystery of his birthin one way, sometimes in another, but always feeling sure he waswell-born.
"If any one ever proclaimed himself a gentleman by look and manner, itis Atherton Legh," she thought. "And as to his courage it isindisputable. But I have been thinking only of this young man all thetime," she reflected, with a feeling of self-reproach, "when I oughtto have been think
ing of papa. I ought to have locked up the packet ofimportant papers that he confided to me before his arrest. I willrepair my neglect at once."
With this resolve she arose, and taking out the packet was about toplace it in her writing-case, when a letter fell to the ground.
The letter was partly open, and a name caught her eye that made herstart.
The impulse to glance at the contents of the letter was irresistible,and she found, to her infinite surprise, that the communicationrelated to Atherton Legh, and was addressed by a Manchester banker toSir Richard Rawcliffe, leaving no doubt whatever on her mind that herfather was the young man's mysterious guardian.
In fact, Mr. Marriott, the banker in question, stated that, incompliance with Sir Richard's order, he had paid a certain sum to Mr.Atherton Legh, and had also delivered the letter enclosed by thebaronet to the young man.
Astonishment at the discovery almost took away her breath, and sheremained gazing at the letter as if doubting whether she had read itaright, till it dropped from her hands.
"My father Atherton's guardian!" she exclaimed. "How comes it he hasnever made the slightest allusion to his ward? Why have I been kept socompletely in the dark? Till I came to Manchester last night I hadnever heard there was such a person as Atherton Legh. Chance seems tohave revealed the secret to me. Yet it must have been something morethan chance. Otherwise, the letter could never have fallen into myhands at this particular juncture. But what have I discovered? Onlythat my father is Atherton's mysterious guardian--nothing respectingthe young man's parentage. That is the real secret which I fear willnever be cleared up by my father--even if I venture to question him.Let me reflect. The reason why this young man has been brought up thusmust be that he belongs to some old Jacobite family, the chief membersof which have been banished. That would account for all. My fathercorresponds with several important persons who were engaged in thelast rebellion, and are now abroad. I need not seek further for anexplanation--yet I am not altogether satisfied. I must not breathe aword to Monica of the singular discovery I have made, for the secret,I feel, would not be safe with her. But methinks my father might havetrusted me. Till I see him again, my lips shall be sealed--even toAtherton, should I happen to meet him. Doubtless these letters," shecontinued, taking up the packet, and examining it, "would afford mefull information respecting the young man, but, though stronglytempted, I will read nothing more, without my father's sanction."
She then replaced the letter she had dropped with the others, and hadjust locked up the packet in a small valise, when her cousin came inquest of her.
CHAPTER XIV.
ST. ANN'S SQUARE.
"The crowd in the market-place has dispersed, and all seems quiet,"said Monica. "Shall we take an airing in St. Ann's Square? Jemmy willescort us. 'Tis a fine day--as fine a day, at least, as one can expectin November."
Constance assented, and they forthwith prepared for a walk--eacharraying herself in a black hood and scarf, and each taking a largefan with her, though the necessity for such an article at that lateseason of the year did not seem very obvious. But at the period ofwhich we treat, a woman, with any pretension to mode, had always a fandangling from her wrist.
Attended by Jemmy Dawson, who was looked upon as one of the beaux ofthe town, they sallied forth, and passing the Exchange, where a coupleof porters standing in the doorway were the only persons to be seen,they took their way through a narrow alley, called Acres Court, filledwith small shops, and leading from the back of the Exchange to thesquare.
Usually, Acres Court was crowded, but no one was to be seen there now,and the shops were shut.
Not many years previous to the date of our history, St. Ann's Squarewas an open field--Acres Field being its designation.
The area was tolerably spacious--the houses surrounding it being somethree or four stories high, plain and formal in appearance, with smallwindows, large doorways, and heavy wooden balustrades, meant to beornamental, at the top. Most of them were private residences.
On either side of the square was a row of young plane trees. At thefurther end stood the church, of the architectural beauty of which wecannot say much; but it had its admirers in those days, and perhapsmay have admirers in our own, for it still stands where it did. Infact, the square retains a good deal of its original appearance.
Here the beau monde of the town was wont to congregate in the middleof the last century--the ladies in their hoop petticoats, balloon-likesacques, and high-heeled shoes, with powder in their locks, andpatches on their cheeks; and the gentlemen in laced coats of diverscolours, cocked hats, and periwigs, ruffles at the wrist, andsolitaires round the throat, sword by the side, and clouded cane inhand. Here they met to criticise each other and talk scandal, inimitation of the fine folks to be seen on the Mall at St. James's.
But none of these triflers appeared in St. Ann's Square when MissRawcliffe and her companions entered it. Only one young lady, attendedby a couple of clergymen, could be descried pacing to and fro on thebroad pavement.
In this damsel Monica at once recognised Beppy Byrom, but she made noremark on the subject to Constance, and stopped Jemmy, who was aboutto blab.
Presently, Beppy turned and advanced towards them, and then Constancecould not fail to be struck by her good looks, and inquired who shewas?
"Can't you guess?" cried Monica.
"Is it Beppy Byrom?" said Constance, colouring.
Monica nodded. "What do you think of her?"
Before a reply could be made, Beppy came up, and an introduction tookplace. Beppy and Constance scrutinised each other with a rapid glance.But no fault could be detected on either side.
"Allow me to congratulate you on Sir Richard's escape, MissRawcliffe," said Beppy. "Papa sent a warning letter to him, as nodoubt you know, but Sir Richard did not receive it in time to avoidthe arrest. How courageously Mr. Atherton Legh seems to have behavedon the occasion."
"Yes, papa owes his deliverance entirely to Mr. Legh," rejoinedConstance. "We have good reason to feel grateful to him."
"'Tis perhaps a superfluous offer," said Beppy. "But since Sir Richardhas been compelled to fly, can we be of any service to you? Our houseis roomy, and we can accommodate you without the slightestinconvenience."
"You are extremely kind," said Constance. "I shall probably remain atthe inn; but if I do move, it will be to my Aunt Butler's."
"Yes, mamma would be hurt if my Cousin Constance did not come to her,"interposed Monica. "We are going to her presently. She is out of theway of these disturbances, and has probably never heard of them."
"Your mamma, I believe, is a great invalid, Miss Butler?" remarkedBeppy. "I have heard Dr. Deacon speak of her."
"Yes, she rarely leaves the house. But she has a most capitalnurse--so that I can leave her without the slightest apprehension."
"That is fortunate," said Beppy. "I hope you will soon have goodtidings of Sir Richard, Miss Rawcliffe?"
"I don't expect to hear anything of him till he re-appears with theprince," replied Constance, in a low tone. "I am under no alarm abouthim."
"Well, perhaps, the person in greatest jeopardy is Atherton Legh,"said Beppy. "I should like to feel quite sure he is safe."
"Then take the assurance from me, Miss Byrom," observed Jemmy.
"Do tell me where he is?" she asked.
"He has taken refuge with Tom Syddall," was the reply, in anundertone.
"She takes a deep interest in him," thought Constance.
The two clergymen, who were no other than Mr. Nichols and Mr.Lewthwaite, and who had stood aside during this discourse, now cameforward, and were presented to Miss Rawcliffe.
The conversation then became general, and was proceeding pleasantlyenough, when a very alarming sound put a sudden stop to it.
It was a fire-bell. And the clangour evidently came from the tower ofthe collegiate church.
The conversation instantly ceased, as we have said, and those who hadbeen engaged in it glanced at each other uneasily.
; "Heaven preserve us!" ejaculated Mr. Lewthwaite. "With how manyplagues is this unfortunate town to be visited? Are we to have aconflagration in addition to the other calamities by which we aremenaced?"
Meantime, the clangour increased in violence, and shouts of "Fire!fire!" resounded in all directions.
But the alarm of the party was considerably heightened when anotherfire-bell began to ring--this time close to them.
From the tower of St. Ann's Church the warning sounds nowcame--stunning and terrifying those who listened to them; and bringingforth many of the occupants of the houses in the square.
"It must be a great fire!--perhaps the work of an incendiary!" criedMr. Nichols. "I will not attribute the mischief to Jacobite plotters,but I fear it will turn out that they are the instigators of it."
"It looks suspicious, I must own," remarked Mr. Lewthwaite.
"You have no warrant for these observations, gentlemen," said Jemmy,indignantly.
Still the fire-bells rang on with undiminished fury, and numbers ofpeople were seen running across the square--shouting loudly as theyhurried along.
"Where is the fire?" cried Beppy.
"It must be in the neighbourhood of the collegiate church," repliedMr. Lewthwaite. "All the houses are old in that quarter, and built oftimber. Half the town will be consumed. That will be lamentable, butit will not be surprising, since the inhabitants have assuredly calleddown a judgment upon their heads from their propensity to rebellion."
Jemmy Dawson, who had great difficulty in controlling his anger, wasabout to make a sharp rejoinder to this speech, when a look fromMonica checked him.