"I cannot tell," replied Constance. "But I hope papa will not disobey the prince." "Surely he will not," cried the other. "All will depend upon the counsel given him," said Constance. "Unluckily, Father Jerome is no friend to Atherton Legh." "But your influence will prevail." "You are quite mistaken, Monica. Papa won't listen to me. You saw how sternly he regarded me just now. He is displeased with me, as if I were to blame, because things have gone contrary to his wishes." "I cannot conceive why he dislikes Atherton so much," said Monica, "but I am sure his aversion is most unreasonable." "I hoped it might be overcome," sighed Constance, "but I now begin to despair. Even the prince, I fear, will not be successful." "Do you think Sir Richard has an ill-adviser?" remarked Monica, significantly. "I hope not," rejoined Constance. Let us now see what passed between Sir Richard and the priest when they were closeted together. For a few moments the baronet seemed indisposed to commence the conversation; but as Father Jerome remained silent, he forced himself to speak. "I am placed in a very awkward dilemma, as you are doubtless aware," he said, "and scarcely know how to act. Having consented to meet Atherton Legh in the prince's presence I am unable to retreat with honour, and yet I cannot answer certain questions that will inevitably be put to me." "Can you not brave it out?" rejoined Father Jerome. "The prince cannot be acquainted with any secret matters connected with this young man." "He knows more than is desirable," rejoined the baronet. "Some one has evidently informed him that I have acted as the young man's guardian." "Mr. Marriott cannot have betrayed your confidence?" remarked Father Jerome. "I do not think so," rejoined the other. "Who else can have given the information?" observed the priest. "Have you no suspicion?" "Ha! a light flashes upon me. Should it be so!--though I would fain hope not--the meeting would be doubly dangerous--for she is to be present." "I can set your mind at rest. She knows nothing more than this one fact." "But that may lead to a discovery of all the rest," cried Sir Richard. "Not since you are prepared. 'Tis a pity the packet was left with her?" "'Twas a great error, I admit. But I will not commit another imprudent act. I will not be interrogated by the prince." "Again I say you had better brave it out than fly--and fly you must if you neglect to obey the prince's commands. Your disappearance will give rise to unpleasant suspicions." "But some excuse may be framed. You can help me. You have a ready wit." "Well, the invention must be plausible, or it won't pass. Suppose you go to Rawcliffe Hall to fetch some documents, which are necessary to a full explanation of this matter. You intend to come back to-morrow--but are unavoidably detained--and do not return till the prince has left Manchester."