Long ere this, they had finished their meal, and when the baronet entered the room, were watching the troops from the windows that commanded the market-place, and listening to the shrill notes of the pipes.
Sir Richard did not seem surprised, and perhaps expected to find them there. Constance sprang forward to meet him, and bidding him good morrow, said eagerly:
"I know all about the arrangements, papa. I have seen the prince at Castle Field."
"I am aware of it," he said, sternly. "I have just left his royal highness."
"Of course you will attend the meeting he has appointed?" she said, alarmed by his manner.
He made no reply, and scarcely noticing Monica, signed to the priest, who understood the gesture, and followed him into the adjoining room.
"What does this mean?" said Monica, uneasily.
"I cannot tell," replied Constance. "But I hope papa will not disobey the prince."
"Surely he will not," cried the other.
"All will depend upon the counsel given him," said Constance. "Unluckily, Father Jerome is no friend to Atherton Legh."