The proposition was immediately agreed to. The meeting broke up, and in less than an hour the money was brought to Mr. Bayley. Promissory notes were given in exchange, and the sum required was taken to Mr. Murray by the two magistrates, who were thus freed from further responsibility. CHAPTER XI. THE VISION. Nearly a fortnight had passed since Constance's return to Rawcliffe Hall, and during that interval much had happened. Sir Richard had been laid in the family vault. The interment took place at night, and was witnessed only by the household, the last rites being performed by Father Jerome. Mrs. Butler and her daughter were now inmates of the hall, but the old lady seldom left her chamber. Gloom seemed to have settled upon the mansion. The two young damsels never strayed beyond the park, and rarely beyond the garden. As yet, they had received no tidings of the Highland army, except that it had arrived at Derby. They knew nothing of the retreat, and fancied that the prince was on his way to London. The next news they received might be of a glorious victory--or of a signal defeat. Rumours there were of all kinds, but to these they attached no importance. It was a dark dull December afternoon, and the principal inmates of the hall were assembled in the library. A cheerful fire blazed on the hearth, and lighted up the sombre apartment. Father Jerome was reading near the window. Mrs. Butler was reciting her prayers, and the two girls were conversing together, when the door opened, and an unexpected visitor entered the room. It was Atherton. Uttering a cry of delight, Constance sprang to her feet, and was instantly folded to his breast. Before he could answer any questions, Monica rushed up to him, and said: "Oh! relieve my anxiety. Is Jemmy safe?" "Safe and well," replied Atherton. "He is in Manchester with the regiment, but Colonel Townley would not allow him to accompany me." "What am I to understand by all this?" cried Constance. "All chance of our gaining London is over," replied Atherton. "The prince has retreated from Derby, and is now returning to Scotland." "Without a battle?" cried Constance. "Ay, without a battle," he replied, sadly. "I can scarcely believe what I hear," cried Monica. "I would rather a sanguinary engagement had taken place than this should have happened." "The prince was forced to retreat," rejoined Atherton. "The Highland chiefs would proceed no further." "Will Jemmy retire from the regiment?" cried Monica. "No, he will proceed with it to Carlisle. I shall go there likewise. I have obtained leave from the prince to pay this hasty visit. I must return in the morning. We may yet have to fight a battle, for it is reported that the Duke of Cumberland is in hot pursuit, and Marshal Wade may cut off our retreat."