"They did not dare to lay hands upon him," cried Constance. "But see, papa is coming out of the coach, and is about to address the assemblage. Let us open the window to hear what he says." This was done, and they both waved their handkerchiefs to Sir Richard when he concluded his harangue. Atherton looked up at the moment, and received a similar greeting. Constance's eloquent glances and approving smiles more than repaid him for what he had done. From their position the two damsels could discern all that subsequently took place. They beheld Sir Richard and the gallant youth who had rescued him pass safely through the crowd, and disappear at the lower end of the market-place. Then feeling satisfied that the fugitives were safe, they retired from the window, nor did they look out again, though the shouting and tumult still continued, till Jemmy Dawson made his appearance. Both were delighted to see him. "Oh, I am so glad you are come, Jemmy!" cried Monica. "What is going on? I hope there won't be a riot?" "Have you seen papa and Mr. Atherton Legh?" asked Constance. "Yes, I have seen them both; and I am happy to be able to relieve your anxiety respecting Sir Richard. He is out of all danger. By this time I trust he is a mile or two on the road to Preston. I have provided him with a horse." "Heaven be thanked!" she exclaimed. "But what of young Atherton Legh? I hope there is no chance of his falling into the hands of the enemy. I should never forgive myself if anything were to happen to him, for I feel that I incited him to this hazardous attempt." "No doubt you did, Constance," observed Monica. "You need not make yourself uneasy about him," said Jemmy. "He will easily find a secure retreat till the prince appears." There was a moment's pause, during which the lovers exchanged tender glances, and Constance appeared preoccupied. "Who is Atherton Legh?" she inquired, at length. "I begin to feel interested about him." "I would rather you didn't ask me the question," replied Jemmy. "I can't answer it very readily. However, I will tell you all I know about him." And he proceeded to relate such particulars of the young man's history as the reader is already acquainted with. Constance listened with great interest. "It appears, then, from what you say, that he is dependent upon a guardian whom he has never seen, and of whose very name he is ignorant." "That is so," replied Jemmy. "But I am convinced he is a gentleman born." "The mystery attaching to his birth does not lessen my interest in him," said Constance. "I should be surprised if it did," observed Monica. "You can give him any rank you please. I am sorry to disturb your romantic ideas respecting him, but you must recollect he has been an apprentice to a Manchester merchant, and has only just served his time."