While the bell was ringing to summon this second congregation, Mr. Paul took the prayer-book, just used by the vicar, and erased the name of King George, substituting for it the name of King James. And in the prayer for the royal family, he scratched out the name of the Princess Sophia, and introduced that of Queen Mary of Modena. Habited in a blue coat, wearing a long wig, and having a sword by his side, this stout church militant proceeded to the reading-desk, and in tones quite as fervent as those of the vicar prayed for the Pretender and his mother. Had James the Third come to the throne, no doubt Mr. Paul would have been rewarded with a bishopric. Most of the young gentlemen troopers found capital quarters in the Fishergate and Friargate, and as a great number of tea-parties were given that evening, to which they were bidden, they had an opportunity of comparing the belles of Preston with those of Lancaster. Till then they had believed it impossible that lovelier girls could be found than those they had just quitted. Now they confessed their mistake. That morning the inconstant youths tore themselves away distractedly from their Lancaster loves, but at night an entire change had taken place in their sentiments, and they retired to rest deeply enamoured of the Preston girls. II.--HOW KING JAMES WAS PROCLAIMED FOR THE LAST TIME. |Next morning, the town, never dull, presented a gayer appearance than usual. Fortunately, the weather was propitious, and enabled the ladies to come forth and see the troops paraded. After this pretty sight, they proceeded to the Lancaster road to witness the entrance of the Highlanders, whom they were very curious to see. They laughed a great deal at the strange dresses of the men, and stopped their ears to shut out the shrill sound of the bagpipes; but, on the whole, they were pleased. As was the case wherever he went, Brigadier Mackintosh produced a strong effect upon the beholders. His tall martial figure rivetted their regards. On this occasion, the rigid muscles of the grim old warrior's countenance were somewhat relaxed, and he even attempted to smile. Perhaps, he was gratified by the undisguised admiration of the Preston beauties. However, the fair spectators were best pleased by a party of young recruits who followed the Highlanders. Raw soldiers they might be, but they were very pretty fellows, and had plenty of spirit. Number, three dozen--not including captain. Height, rather below the average-features delicate and feminine--figures slight, but remarkably well formed. Never did scarlet coats, laced cocked-hats, flaxen wigs, and all the rest of their accoutrements find more graceful wearers. Red and white cockades showed they were English--the Scots being distinguished by cockades of blue and white.