"I will deliver your message," replied Dr. Byrom, "and I hope we shall all meet in London. Immediately on my arrival there I shall endeavour to procure a pardon for you. Do not raise your expectations too high, for I may not be able to accomplish my purpose. But you may rely upon it I will do my best." Atherton could scarcely find words to express his thanks. "Say no more," cried the doctor, grasping his hand warmly. "I shall be amply rewarded if I am successful." "You have not said anything about it, papa," interposed Beppy. "But I hope you mean to take me with you to London. I must form one of the party." "You would only be in the way," observed the doctor. "Nothing of the sort. I should be of the greatest use, as you will find. You are the best and most good-natured papa in the world, and never refuse your daughter anything," she added, in a coaxing tone, which the doctor could not resist. "I ought not to consent, but I suppose I must," he said. "Yes, yes--it's quite settled," cried Beppy, with a glance of satisfaction at Atherton. "Where are we to meet in London?" inquired the young man. "Possibly I may not see you again till I arrive there." "You will hear of me at the St. James's Hotel, in Jermyn Street," replied the doctor. "And now I think we ought to start," he added to his daughter, "since we have to go to Rawcliffe Hall." "But you have not taken leave of Dr. Deacon," cried Beppy. "I shall not interrupt the prayers he is offering up for his son," replied her father. "Bid him adieu for us," he added to Atherton. "And now farewell, my dear young friend! Heaven guard you from all perils! May we meet again safely in London!" Atherton attended his friends to the garden gate, but went no further. He watched them till they disappeared, and then returned sadly to the cottage. CHAPTER XIV. JEMMY DAWSON'S LETTER. The unexpected arrival of Dr. Byrom and Beppy at Rawcliffe Hall caused considerable perturbation to Constance and her cousin; but this was relieved as soon as the doctor explained that he brought good news of Atherton. Before entering into any particulars, however, he delivered Jemmy Dawson's letter to Monica, telling her in what manner he had received it. Murmuring a few grateful words, she withdrew to her own room, and we shall follow her thither, leaving the others to talk over matters with which the reader is already acquainted. The letter filled several sheets of paper, and had evidently been written at intervals. Thus it ran. St. Albans. For a short time I have been free, and fondly persuaded myself I should soon behold you again. Alas! no such bliss was reserved for me. My fate is ever perverse. I had not long regained my liberty, when I was captured and taken back, and I am now so strictly watched that I shall have no second chance of escape.