"In my place you would be just as enthusiastic, Constance," rejoined the other.
Atherton listened with a beating heart to this discourse, which was well calculated to stir his feelings.
Just then, however, an interruption was offered by the entrance of Sir Richard Rawcliffe.
"Very glad to see you, sir," cried the baronet, shaking hands with Atherton. "I perceive you have already made the acquaintance of my daughter and her cousin, Miss Butler, so I needn't introduce you. Are you aware that my niece is engaged to your friend, Jemmy Dawson?"
"Yes, Mr. Atherton Legh knows all about it, papa," said Constance. "He has brought you a letter from Dr. Byrom," she added, giving it to him.
"Excuse me," said Sir Richard, opening the note.
As he hastily scanned its contents, his countenance fell.
"Has something gone wrong, papa?" cried Constance, uneasily.
"I am threatened with arrest for treasonable practices," replied Sir Richard. "Dr. Byrom counsels immediate flight, or concealment. But where am I to fly?—where conceal myself?" he added, looking quite bewildered.
"You had better leave the inn at once, papa," said Constance, who, though greatly alarmed, had not lost her presence of mind.