CHAPTER XVII.
A QUARREL AT SUPPER.
Shortly afterwards, supper was served in the dining-room. The repast was profuse, but no great ceremony was observed, for the prince supped in private with the Duke of Perth, the Marquis of Tullibardine, Lord George Murray, and some other nobles.
Atherton sat next to Colonel Townley, who took the opportunity of giving him some instructions as to the duties he would have to discharge.
"The men will be drilled previous to the muster to-morrow," said the colonel, "and I hope we shall get through it tolerably well. Every allowance will be made for raw recruits. In a few days they will have learnt their duties, and all will be right."
On the opposite side of the table sat Sir Richard Rawcliffe, and Atherton remarked that the baronet's eye was often fixed suspiciously upon him. Colonel Townley also made the same remark.
"Sir Richard is far from pleased to see you here," he observed. "From some cause or other he seems to have taken a strong aversion to you."
"You are acquainted with my history, I know, colonel," said Atherton. "I cannot help thinking that Sir Richard, if he chose, could clear up the mystery that hangs over my birth."
This observation, which was not made in a very low tone, reached the quick ears of the baronet, who darted an angry look at the speaker.
"Colonel Townley," he said, "pray tell your neighbour that I am totally ignorant of his parentage."
"That does not satisfy me," cried Atherton, addressing the baronet. "I am determined to have an explanation."