On beholding the young Chevalier, Mrs. Butler rose from her chair, and stepping forward, made him a profound obeisance.
Something in the earnest look fixed upon him by the invalid lady interested the prince, and he could not resist the impulse that prompted him to speak to her.
Accordingly he signified his intention to the Marquis of Tullibardine; a halt was immediately called, the pipers ceased playing, while the prince stepped out of the line, followed by that nobleman, and entered the garden.
Nothing could exceed the surprise and delight caused by this gracious act, not only to the object of it, but to the two fair damsels who stood beside her. It may be thought that these lovely girls would have attracted the prince to the garden rather than an elderly dame, but he seemed scarcely aware of their presence till he was close beside them.
Instantly divining the prince's intention, Sir Richard Rawcliffe presented his sister. Charles could not prevent her from kneeling, but he immediately raised her, and remarking that she looked very faint, conducted her, with much solicitude, to a seat.
He then turned to the two fair damsels, who were likewise presented to him by Sir Richard, and received them with much grace and dignity.
Not till this moment did he become aware of Constance's surpassing beauty, and he then remarked to her father:
"I was told that you had a lovely daughter, Sir Richard, but I did not imagine she was so beautiful as I find her."
"Such praise coming from your royal highness will make her vain," said the baronet.
"Nay, I meant not to call blushes to her cheek, though they do not spoil it," said Charles. "But Miss Rawcliffe has another great merit in my eyes besides her personal attractions. If I am not misinformed, she is devoted to the royal cause."