"He has thrown dust in your eyes, Beppy," said the doctor. "He has vowed to avenge his father. Is not that creditable to him, papa?" "Yes, he is a brave fellow, no doubt. I only hope he mayn't share his father's fate. I shall endeavour to persuade him to keep quiet." "Is it quite certain the prince will come to Manchester?" asked Mrs. Byrom, anxiously. "He will be here in two or three days at the latest with his army. But don't alarm yourself, my love." "Oh, dear!" she exclaimed. "I think we had better leave the town." "You are needlessly afraid, mamma," cried Beppy. "I am not frightened in the least. It may be prudent in some people to get out of the way; but depend upon it _we_ shan't be molested. Papa's opinions are too well known. I wouldn't for the world miss seeing the prince. I dare say we shall all be presented to him." "You talk of the prince as if he had already arrived, Beppy," observed Edward Byrom, gravely. "After all, he may never reach Manchester." "You hope he won't come," cried his sister. "You are a Hanoverian, Teddy, and don't belong to us." "'Tis because I wish the prince well that I hope he mayn't come," said Teddy. "The wisest thing he could do would be to retreat." "I disown you, sir," cried the young lady. "The prince will never retreat, unless compelled, and success has hitherto attended him." "Are you aware that the townspeople of Liverpool have raised a regiment seven hundred strong?" "For the prince?" "For King George. Chester, also, has been put into a state of defence against the insurgents, though there are many Roman Catholic families in the city." "I won't be discouraged," said Beppy. "I am certain the right will triumph. What do you think, papa?" Dr. Byrom made no response to this appeal. "Your papa has great misgivings, my dear," observed Mrs. Byrom; "and so have I. I should most heartily rejoice if the danger that threatens us could be averted. Rebellion is a dreadful thing. We must take no part in this contest. How miserable I should have been if your brother had joined the insurgents!" "Happily, Teddy has more discretion," said Dr. Byrom, casting an approving look at his son. "Some of our friends, I fear, will rue the consequences of their folly. Jemmy Dawson has joined the Manchester Regiment, and of course Dr. Deacon's three sons are to be enrolled in it." "Were I a man I would join likewise," cried Beppy. "My dear!" exclaimed her mother, half reproachfully. "Forgive me if I have hurt your feelings, dearest mamma," said Beppy, getting up and kissing her. "You know I would do nothing to displease you." "Jemmy Dawson will incur his father's anger by the step he has taken," remarked Edward Byrom. "But powerful influence has been brought to bear upon him. A young lady, quite as enthusiastic a Jacobite as you are, Beppy, to whom he is attached, has done the mischief." "Indeed! I should like to know who she is?" said his sister.