"I can't exactly tell," replied Beppy. "She seems to me to possess a great many good qualities, and, at all events, I admire her romantic attachment to her lover. Still, I don't think I should have been so very much charmed with her if she hadn't been so exceedingly pretty. And now you have the truth, papa." "Good looks evidently go a long way with you, Beppy," said her father, laughing. "Indeed they do, papa. But now that the street has become clear, let us go and speak to Tom Syddall." The room from which they had viewed the proceedings at the Cross formed the upper part of a draper's shop. Thanking the owner, they now took their departure, and sought out Tom Syddall, whom they found at his door. He readily undertook to send Helen Carnegie to Miss Byrom as soon as the recruiting was over. But the sergeant had a great deal to do, and did not care to part with either of his companions. He continued to parade the town for some hours, enlisting all who offered themselves; and the number of the recruits soon exceeded a hundred. The authorities did not interfere with him--probably deeming it useless to do so. Had they really surrendered the town they could not have proved more submissive. CHAPTER III. FATHER JEROME. Nothing had been heard of Sir Richard Rawcliffe since his sudden flight, but Constance had no fears for his safety, for all danger was over as soon as he got fairly out of Manchester. But she looked forward to his return with an uneasiness such as she had never before experienced. Her father loved her dearly--better than any one else--for she was his only child. But he was of a violent temper--easily offended, and by no means easily appeased, as she herself had found, for she had more than once incurred his displeasure, though for matters of very trifling import. From her knowledge of his character, she could not doubt he would be exceedingly angry that she had read the letter relating to Atherton Legh, and though it would be easy to say nothing about it, she could not reconcile herself to such a disingenuous course. After some reflection, she determined to consult Father Jerome, and be guided by his advice. Accordingly she sought a private conference with him, and told him all that had occurred. The priest listened to her recital with great attention, and then said: "I am glad you have spoken to me, daughter. If the matter is mentioned to Sir Richard it must be by me--not by you. It would trouble him exceedingly to think you are acquainted with this secret. He would blame himself for committing the papers to your care, and he would blame you for reading them." "I have only read a single letter, father, as I have explained to you." "That I quite understand; but I fear Sir Richard will suspect you have indulged your curiosity to a greater extent." "My father will believe what I tell him," said Constance, proudly.