Colonel Townley offered his arm to Constance, and conducted her to the entrance-hall, where they found Sir Richard Rawcliffe, Dr. Byrom, and several other gentlemen who were waiting for their wives and daughters. As soon as the young ladies had been consigned to their natural protectors, Colonel Townley turned to Atherton, and said: "You will return at eight o'clock to-night, Captain Legh. You are bidden to the supper by the prince. I was specially commanded to bring you. His royal highness seems to have taken a fancy to you. But tell me!--what is the cause of the misunderstanding between you and Miss Rawcliffe?" "I know not," replied Atherton. "But she looks coldly upon me--and her father has treated me with great rudeness." "Indeed!" exclaimed Colonel Townley. "I will have an explanation from him. Remember that the regiment will be paraded in St. Ann's Square at ten o'clock to-morrow." They then separated, and Atherton quitted the house. The court was filled by the Highland body-guard and the pipers. The latter, drawn up in two lines, through which the company passed, were making a prodigious din, greatly to the delight of the crowd collected in the street. CHAPTER XVI. THE ILLUMINATIONS. The town now presented a most extraordinary appearance, and looked as if occupied by a hostile army--the streets being filled with Highland soldiers, who were wandering about, staring at the houses and shops, and besieging the taverns. The townspeople seemed on very good terms with their visitors, and the occupants of the houses at which the soldiers were billeted received them as well as could be expected. By this time all the principal personages connected with the Highland army had taken possession of the quarters assigned them, and sentries were placed at the doorways or at the gates. Large bonfires were lighted in various parts of the town--in the market-place, in Spring Fields, on Shude Hill, on Hunt's Bank, and at the foot of the bridge, and preparations were made for a general illumination at night. Nothing was neglected by the magistrates. In obedience to the injunctions they had received from Mr. Murray, they attended at the Town Cross to assist at the proclamation of his Majesty King James the Third. A large concourse assembled to witness the ceremony, and shouted lustily at its conclusion. As yet, no disturbance whatever had occurred--for the Whigs and Presbyterians consulted their own safety by remaining quiet, well knowing if they made a demonstration they would be quickly overpowered. Consequently, the town continued tranquil.