"Perhaps I was at the bottom of it all," cried Beppy. "I don't like to lose my share of the credit. I had the most perfect confidence in your royal highness's good-nature." "'Tis the first time I have been complimented on my good-nature," observed the duke, smiling--"especially by a Jacobite, as I believe you are, Miss Byrom." "After what has just occurred I could not possibly remain a Jacobite," she said. "I shall trumpet forth your royal highness's magnanimity to all." "And so shall I," said her father. "When next I see Sir Conway Rawcliffe," said the duke, "I trust it will be at St. James's Palace, and I also hope he will bring Lady Rawcliffe to town with him. Meantime, I advise him to retire to his country seat till this storm has blown over. It may possibly fall on some heads." "I shall not fail to profit by your royal highness's advice," replied Sir Conway, bowing deeply. Profound obeisances were then made by all the party, and they were about to depart, when the duke said in a low tone to Constance: "I depend upon you to maintain your cousin in his present disposition. Go back to Rawcliffe Hall." "Alas!" she rejoined, "I would obey your royal highness, but I cannot leave just now. My cousin, Miss Butler, is betrothed to Captain Dawson, of the Manchester Regiment. I must remain with her." "Better not," rejoined the duke, in an altered tone. "But as you will. 'Twill be vain to plead to me again. I can do nothing more." Colonel Conway here interposed, and, taking her hand, led her towards the door. "Say not a word more," he whispered; "or you will undo all the good that has been done." The party then quitted Cumberland House, and returned to the St. James's Hotel. Needless to say, they all felt happy--the happiest of all being Sir Conway. The Duke of Cumberland's injunctions were strictly obeyed. Next day, the family coach was on its way back, containing the whole party, with the exception of poor Monica, who would not return, but was left behind with Lettice. Three days afterwards the Duke of Cumberland, attended by Colonel Conway, proceeded to Scotland, where the decisive battle of Culloden was fought. CHAPTER IV. THE TRIAL OF THE MANCHESTER REBELS. An interval of some months being allowed to elapse, we come to a very melancholy period of our story. The unfortunate prisoners, who had languished during the whole time in Newgate, were ordered to prepare for their trial, which was intended to take place in the Court House at St. Margaret's Hill, Southwark, before Lord Chief Justice Lee, Lord Chief Justice Willes, Justice Wright, Justice Dennison, Justice Foster, Baron Reynolds, Baron Clive, and other commissioners specially appointed for the purpose. Previously to the trial the prisoners were ordered to be removed to the new gaol at Southwark.