AN UNSATISFACTORY EXPLANATION.
Having partaken of a slight repast, the prince again mounted his
charger and rode out of the town in a different direction from any he
had 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, and
the prospects spread out before him had a wild character of which
little can now be discerned. Smedley Hall formed the limit of his
ride, and having gazed at this picturesque old structure, which was
situated in a valley, with a clear stream flowing past it, and a range
of bleak-looking hills in the distance, he turned off on the left, and
made his way through a heathy and uncultivated district to Kersal
Moor.
From these uplands he obtained a charming view of the valley of the
Irwell, bounded by the collegiate church, and the old buildings around
it, and after contemplating the prospect for a short time, he
descended from the heights and returned to the town.
Not being expected at the time, he passed very quietly through the
streets, and reached his head-quarters without hindrance, having
greatly enjoyed his ride.
Immediately after his return a levée was held, which being more
numerously attended than that on the preceding day, occupied nearly
two hours.
After this he had a conference with the magistrates in the audience
chamber, and he then repaired to his private cabinet, where he
expected to find Sir Richard Rawcliffe and the others, whose
attendance he had commanded.
Constance was there and Atherton, but in place of the baronet appeared
Father Jerome. Repressing his displeasure, Charles graciously saluted
the 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. "I
had no conversation with him before his departure."
"Then he is gone!" cried Charles, frowning. "I trust your explanation
of his strange conduct may prove satisfactory," he added to the
priest.
"The step I own appears strange," replied Father Jerome, in a
deprecatory tone; "but I trust it may be excused. Sir Richard has gone
to Rawcliffe Hall to procure certain documents which he desires to lay
before your royal highness."
"But why did he not ask my permission before setting out?" observed
Charles, sternly.
"Unquestionably, that would have been the proper course," rejoined the
priest. "But I presume he hoped to be back in time."
"He could not have thought so," cried Charles, sharply. "The distance
is too great. He shrinks from the interrogations which he knows would
be addressed to him. But I will not be trifled with. I will learn the
truth. If he does not come I will send a guard for him. I will not
detain 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 retired
with the priest.
As soon as they were gone, the prince's countenance assumed a very
singular expression, and he said to Atherton, "What think you of all
this?"
"My opinion is that Sir Richard Rawcliffe does not mean to return, and
has sent Father Jerome to make these excuses for him," replied
Atherton.
"I have come to the same conclusion," replied Charles. "He has set my
authority at defiance, but he shall find that I can reach him. You
must set out at once for Rawcliffe Hall, and bring him hither."
"I am ready to obey your highness's orders," replied Atherton. "I have
never seen Sir Richard's residence; but I know it is situated near
Warrington, about eighteen miles from Manchester. I can get there in a
couple of hours--perhaps in less."
"Provided you bring back the unruly baronet before night I shall be
satisfied," 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 sign
manual to the order, gave it to Atherton.
"Sir Richard will not dare to resist that mandate," he said. "I do not
think a guard will be necessary. But you shall take Sergeant Dickson
with you. You will find him with the Chevalier de Johnstone at Lord
George Murray's quarters. Show this order to Colonel Johnstone, and he
will provide you with a good horse, and give all necessary directions
to the sergeant. He will also explain the cause of your absence to
Colonel Townley. Understand that you are to bring back Sir Richard
with you at all hazards."
"I will not fail," replied Atherton.
Bowing deeply, he then quitted the prince's presence, and proceeded at
once to Lord George Murray's quarters in Deansgate, where he found the
Chevalier de Johnstone and Sergeant Dickson.
The Chevalier de Johnstone understood the matter at once, and
immediately ordered the sergeant to provide two strong horses for
Captain Legh and himself, bidding him go well armed.
Although the sergeant was told by his colonel to lose no time, he
easily prevailed upon Atherton to let him bid adieu to Helen, who, as
the reader is aware, had found a lodging with Beppy Byrom.
Very little delay, however, occurred, for as the sergeant rode up to
the doctor's dwelling, Helen, who seemed to be on the watch, rushed
out to greet him, and learnt his errand, receiving a kiss at the same
time.