ARRIVAL OF THE SECOND DIVISION.
Multitudes of people still remained in Salford, patiently awaiting the
arrival of the prince with the second division of the Highland army.
All the inmates of Mrs. Butler's dwelling, which, it will be
remembered, was situated at the upper end of the main street, had
witnessed the march past of the first division. Even the invalid lady
herself, who had not quitted the house for a lengthened period, and
could not do so now without considerable risk, came forth to see the
young prince.
Not being able to walk so far, she was carried out into the garden,
and placed near the gate, which was thrown open. From this position
she commanded the road, and could see all that was to be seen.
Near her stood Monica and Constance, both of whom were attired in
white dresses, with blue scarves, while in close attendance upon her
were her brother, Sir Richard Rawcliffe, Father Jerome, and Jemmy
Dawson.
Notwithstanding the excitement of the occasion, Constance looked
pensive and absent--her thoughts being occupied with Atherton Legh.
Very little conversation had taken place between her and her father,
since Sir Richard's return from Preston, and then only in the presence
of Father Jerome. All allusion to the young man had been studiously
avoided.
By this time Monica had quite shaken off her fears, and when the
stirring spectacle commenced, and the clan regiments marched past the
gate, her breast glowed with enthusiasm, and all her former ardour
returned. She thought no more of her lover's danger, but of the glory
he would win; and if he had held back, she would now have urged him
on.
But Jemmy required no spurring; he was eager to be an actor in such a
scene, and was anxiously expecting his promised commission.
As to Mrs. Butler, she looked on with mingled feelings. What memories
were awakened by the sight of those Highland regiments! The men looked
the same, wore the same garb, and bore the same arms as those she had
seen in former days. Yet the chiefs who had fought in the civil war of
1715, and their faithful clansmen, were all swept away. Were those who
had now taken their places destined to victory or defeat? She trembled
as she asked herself the question.
Many a glance was thrown at the fair damsels in the garden as the
young officers marched past, and frequent salutes were offered to Sir
Richard by those in command of the regiment, but no one halted except
the Duke of Perth, who paused to say a few words to him, and was
presented to the ladies--delighting them with his courteous manner.
Before the duke rode off, he told them that more than an hour would
elapse before the second division came up, and so it turned out.
During this interval, Mrs. Butler remained in the garden, and of
course the others did not leave her. Some slight refreshments, with
wine, were brought her by a man-servant from the house, and of these
she partook in order to support her strength, which she feared might
fail her. She listened anxiously for any sounds that might announce
the prince's approach, but it was long before he came.
At length the loud notes of the bagpipes were heard in the distance,
and soon afterwards a regiment of cavalry came up, commanded by Lord
Elcho, who carried his sword in his hand, as did the men. These were
the life-guards. Blue coats with red facings formed the uniform of the
troop. And the men wore gold-laced hats with white cockades in them.
Indeed, we may remark that all the officers and soldiers of the
Highland army wore white cockades in hat or bonnet.
The life-guards were soon gone, and then a personage appeared, upon
whom all eyes were fixed.