"Here is a braw St. Andrew's cross, if your royal highness will deign to wear it," cried Helen, offering him one. Charles smiled his thanks, and fastened the cross to his jacket. "Are you staying with Miss Byrom, Helen?" he inquired. "'Deed I am, your royal highness," she replied. "She will have a lodging at my father's house so long as the army remains in the town," added Beppy. "I am glad to hear it," replied the prince. "I am certain she will be well cared for." He then bowed graciously to the young lady, and bestowing a parting smile on Helen, rode on. But he soon came to another halt. A little further off he discovered Constance Rawcliffe and Monica. They were attended by Father Jerome. Graciously saluting the two damsels, and bowing to the priest, he said to Miss Rawcliffe: "You are the very person I desired to see. I have some news for you--but it is for your private ear." On this intimation Monica and the priest drew back. Charles then continued in a low voice: "You will be surprised to learn that your father has just fought a duel." Seeing her change colour, he hastened to add: "You need have no sort of uneasiness. He is unhurt. I left the ground only a short time ago, and can therefore speak positively." "With whom was the duel fought?" inquired Constance, unable to repress her emotion. "Not with----" "Not with Atherton Legh," supplied the prince; "though the quarrel was on his account. Sir Richard's adversary was Colonel Townley. Luckily, your father was disarmed, and so the affair was brought to an end. The duel appears to have been unavoidable, since Sir Richard refused to apologise to Captain Legh for rudeness offered him, and would not even give him satisfaction. Colonel Townley, therefore, took up the quarrel, and you know the result." "Is the affair ended?" she asked, eagerly. "Not quite. A full explanation seems to me to be due from Sir Richard Rawcliffe to Captain Legh; and to insure it, I have laid my commands upon Sir Richard to meet Captain Legh in my presence after the levée, in order that he may answer certain questions which I shall then put to him. I fear this will not be agreeable to your father; but he might have avoided it. A few words would set all right, but these he refuses to utter. I had, therefore, no alternative but to compel him to speak out." "It is right that Captain Legh should know the truth," remarked Constance. "I felt sure you would think so, and I therefore enjoined Sir Richard to bring you with him; but if you see any objections, I will excuse your attendance." "Perhaps my presence may be necessary," she rejoined. "I will come." "That is well," said the prince. "I owe Captain Legh a large debt of gratitude, and am anxious to pay it. I shall begin by setting him right. That done, I shall use all my influence to effect a reconciliation between---- You understand my meaning, I am quite sure." "No more on that subject, I implore your highness," she rejoined, blushing deeply.