"You have been conversing with the Duke of Cumberland," supplied Colonel Conway.
"Oh, I implore your royal highness to forgive me!" exclaimed Constance. "Had I known——"
"I shall die with shame!" cried Beppy.
At this moment Dr. Byrom and Atherton were ushered into the cabinet.
On beholding the Duke of Cumberland, whom both the new-comers recognised, they knew not what to think, but each made a profound obeisance.
"This is my nephew, Sir Conway Rawcliffe, your royal highness," said the colonel.
"Hitherto, I have only known him as Captain Legh, the rebel," observed the duke, rather sternly.
"Rebel no longer," said Colonel Conway. "He has come to deliver himself up to your royal highness, and to solicit your gracious forgiveness for his misdeeds."
"Does he acknowledge his errors?" demanded the duke.
"He heartily and sincerely abjures them. If a pardon be extended to him, your august sire will ever find him a loyal subject."