"I have already drunk it," she replied. "But I have wine enough left to drink 'Success to the Manchester Regiment,' and I do so."
And she again raised the glass to her lips.
Colonel Townley bowed, and expressed his thanks.
"More champagne," he cried to the attendants. "Gentlemen," he added, to his officers, "let us drink to Miss Rawcliffe and the ladies who have helped to raise the regiment."
Due honour was done to the toast. As Atherton bowed to Constance, she regarded him coldly, and scarcely acknowledged the attention.
"Something is wrong," thought Colonel Townley. "I must endeavour to set it right. You will be pleased to hear, Miss Rawcliffe," he said, "that his royal highness fully appreciates the service you have rendered him. I took care to tell him the Manchester Regiment owed Captain Legh to you."
"The circumstance was scarcely worth mentioning," she rejoined, with affected indifference.
"The prince thought otherwise," remarked Colonel Townley. "I will not repeat the flattering things he said——"
"Oh, pray do not!" she interrupted. "I would rather not hear them."
"But they relate chiefly to Captain Legh."