"'Tis to meet my father, who, by his highness's command, will disclose certain matters to you. But pray ask me no more questions. I ought not to have told you so much. You will learn all in good time. And now I must relieve you from this irksome attendance." "You know very well it is not irksome," he replied, with a look of reproach. "At all events, you must have other duties to attend to. You have to prepare for the muster of your regiment. Jemmy Dawson is fully occupied, or he would be here with Monica. I really must set you at liberty." "Pray let me see you safely from the ground?" entreated Atherton. "Well, I cannot object to that." Then turning to Monica, she said: "Are you ready to depart?" "Quite," replied the other. Atherton cleared the way, and having brought them to the long unfinished street that led from Castle Field to the centre of the town, he bowed, and rode off, fondly persuading himself he should soon meet Constance again. CHAPTER XXII. FATHER JEROME COUNSELS SIR RICHARD. "You must see your father without delay, Miss Rawcliffe," said the priest in an authoritative tone to Constance, as soon as Atherton was gone. "We are almost certain to find Sir Richard at the Bull's Head, and if he should not be within, he will have left a message for you, or a letter." Constance quite agreed that it would be proper to call at the Bull's Head, though she felt quite sure her father would make all needful arrangements for the meeting appointed by the prince, and they accordingly proceeded to the inn. So crowded was the market-place with troops, that they had considerable difficulty in crossing, and when at length they reached their destination, Sir Richard was absent. "He had gone out at a very early hour," said Diggles, "and had not yet returned." "He cannot be long," observed Father Jerome. "We must wait for him." "I vote that we order breakfast," said Monica. "I am frightfully hungry." As Constance and the priest both sympathised with her, breakfast was ordered, and it was lucky the precaution was taken, for nearly an hour elapsed before Sir Richard made his appearance. Long ere this, they had finished their meal, and when the baronet entered the room, were watching the troops from the windows that commanded the market-place, and listening to the shrill notes of the pipes. Sir Richard did not seem surprised, and perhaps expected to find them there. Constance sprang forward to meet him, and bidding him good morrow, said eagerly: "I know all about the arrangements, papa. I have seen the prince at Castle Field." "I am aware of it," he said, sternly. "I have just left his royal highness." "Of course you will attend the meeting he has appointed?" she said, alarmed by his manner. He made no reply, and scarcely noticing Monica, signed to the priest, who understood the gesture, and followed him into the adjoining room. "What does this mean?" said Monica, uneasily.