"Don't make yourself uneasy, Helen," said Beppy. "He is certain to return. Papa says the prince's army will be forced to retreat."
"Na! na! that win never be!" cried Helen. "The prince win never turn back! The Highlanders may be all kilt, but turn back!—never!"
The rumour, however, at length reached Manchester that the prince was actually retreating, and Helen's delight at the thought of seeing her lover again quite overcame her vexation at what she looked upon as a disgrace.
But the regiment to which the sergeant belonged, and which was commanded by the Chevalier de Johnstone, did not reach Manchester till late in the day, and Erick having a great deal to do on his arrival, could not present himself to Helen.
She had been in quest of him, but had encountered Captain Lindsay, who addressed her more boldly than ever, and to escape his persecutions she was compelled to return.
As evening came her anxiety increased, and she was in all the agony of expectation, when a message came from her lover.
It was brought by Rollo, who informed her that the sergeant had just arrived with his regiment, and wished to see her immediately.
"Where is he?" asked Helen. "Why does he not come to me, himself?"
"He would come, if he could," replied Rollo; "but he is busy with the men in St. Ann's Square. Come with me and I will take you to him."
Wholly unsuspicious of ill, Helen instantly prepared to accompany the messenger, and they quitted the house together.