"I am aware of the grounds of your quarrel," pursued the prince, "and I hold that you, Sir Richard Rawcliffe, are in the wrong. I trust you will offer a sufficient apology--not merely to Colonel Townley, but to Captain Legh, whom you have insulted." "Your royal highness's injunctions must needs be obeyed," rejoined the baronet, haughtily. "To Colonel Townley I am quite willing to apologise; but to Captain Legh----" "I will accept no apology from you, Sir Richard, in which my friend is not included," interrupted Colonel Townley. "I have now a right to demand the cause of the insolent treatment Captain Legh has received, and an explanation of your reason for refusing him the satisfaction to which he was entitled." "Come with me for a moment, Sir Richard," said Charles, taking him aside. Then bending down towards him, and lowering his voice, he added, "Certain circumstances have just come to my knowledge, showing that you must have some knowledge of Atherton Legh's history, and accounting in some measure for your otherwise incomprehensible conduct towards him." Sir Richard endeavoured to hide the confusion into which he was thrown, but could not conceal it from the searching glance fixed upon him by the prince. "Answer me one question?" pursued Charles. "Answer it explicitly? Are you not Atherton Legh's mysterious guardian?" The baronet's confusion perceptibly increased. Charles seemed to read his thoughts. "I am wholly at a loss to conceive whence your royal highness has obtained this information respecting me," he said, at length. "No matter how it has been obtained," remarked Charles, sternly. "Is it true?" "It is correct in the main," replied the baronet. "Although I would gladly be excused from giving any further explanation, I shall be willing to do so at some more convenient opportunity." "The explanation cannot be deferred," said the prince, authoritatively. "After the levée this morning you shall have a private audience." "I will not fail to attend upon your royal highness," replied Sir Richard, evidently much relieved. But his brow again clouded, when the prince said: "You will be pleased to bring your daughter with you." "My daughter!" exclaimed the baronet. "She has nothing whatever to do with the explanation I have to offer." "You have heard my injunction, Sir Richard. Both Miss Rawcliffe and Captain Legh must be present at the audience." "I make no objection," replied the baronet; "but it pains me to find that I am viewed with suspicion by your royal highness, to whom I have given unquestionable proofs of my zeal and devotion." "Justice must be done, Sir Richard," rejoined the prince, sternly. "If there has been a wrong it must be righted. The mystery attaching to this young man's birth must be cleared up, and since you are able to give the information required, you are bound to furnish it. I shall expect you and Miss Rawcliffe after the levée."