"Yes, mamma would be hurt if my Cousin Constance did not come to her," interposed Monica. "We are going to her presently. She is out of the way of these disturbances, and has probably never heard of them."
"Your mamma, I believe, is a great invalid, Miss Butler?" remarked Beppy. "I have heard Dr. Deacon speak of her."
"Yes, she rarely leaves the house. But she has a most capital nurse—so that I can leave her without the slightest apprehension."
"That is fortunate," said Beppy. "I hope you will soon have good tidings of Sir Richard, Miss Rawcliffe?"
"I don't expect to hear anything of him till he re-appears with the prince," replied Constance, in a low tone. "I am under no alarm about him."
"Well, perhaps, the person in greatest jeopardy is Atherton Legh," said Beppy. "I should like to feel quite sure he is safe."
"Then take the assurance from me, Miss Byrom," observed Jemmy.
"Do tell me where he is?" she asked.
"He has taken refuge with Tom Syddall," was the reply, in an undertone.
"She takes a deep interest in him," thought Constance.