"Then you discovered that she is beautiful!"
"I never beheld such fine eyes."
Colonel Townley laughed heartily.
"Take care of yourself, my dear boy—take care of yourself," he said. "Those eyes have already done wonderful execution."
"One question more, colonel, and I have done. Are they sisters?"
"Well, I may answer that. They are not. I thought you must have known the young man who was with them."
"I fancied he was Jemmy Dawson. But I own I did not pay much attention to him."
"You were engrossed by one object. It was Jemmy Dawson. He is to be one of my officers, and I feel very proud of him, as I shall be of another gallant youth whom I count upon. But I must loiter no longer here. I shall ride to Preston to-night, and proceed to-morrow to Lancaster. Fail not to keep your appointment with Sir Richard Rawcliffe. You will see his daughter, who will put this fair unknown out of your head."
"I scarcely think so," replied Atherton.
"Well, I shall learn all about it on my return. Adieu!"