The Manchester Rebels of the Fatal '45. Ainsworth William Harrison

himself at her feet, and taking her hand, which she did not withhold, pressed it to his lips.

      "I devote myself to you," he said, in a fervent tone.

      "And to the good cause?" she cried.

      "To the good cause," he rejoined. "But chiefly to you."

      Before he could rise from his kneeling posture, Monica and Jemmy Dawson, who had come forth from the house, approached the arbour, but seeing how matters stood, they would have retired; but Constance, who did not exhibit the slightest embarrassment, advanced to meet them.

      "I have gained another recruit for the prince," she said.

      "So I see," replied Monica. "His royal highness could not have a better officer."

      "I am sure not," said Jemmy Dawson.

      And embracing his friend, he cried, "I longed for you as a companion-in-arms, and my desire is gratified. We shall serve together – conquer together – or die together. Whatever it may be, apparently our destiny will be the same."

      "You are certain of a rich reward," said Atherton. "But I – "

      "Live in hope," murmured Constance.

      "Not till I have discovered the secret of my birth will I presume to ask your hand," said the young man.

      Constance thought of the packet confided to her by her father – of the letter she had read – and felt certain the mystery would be soon unravelled.

      Just then Monica interposed.

      "Pray come into the house, Mr. Atherton Legh," she said. "Mamma will be much pleased to see you. We have been extolling you to the skies. She is a great invalid, and rarely leaves her room, but to-day, for a wonder, she is downstairs."

      Atherton did not require a second bidding, but went with them into the house.

      CHAPTER XIX.

      MRS. BUTLER

      In a large, gloomy-looking, plainly-furnished room might be seen a middle-aged dame, who looked like the superior of a religious house – inasmuch as she wore a conventual robe of dark stuff, with a close hood that fell over her shoulders, and a frontlet beneath it that concealed her locks – blanched by sorrow more than age. From her girdle hung a rosary. Her figure was thin almost to emaciation, but it was hidden by her dress; her cheeks were pallid; her eyes deep sunk in their sockets; but her profile still retained its delicacy and regularity of outline, and showed she must once have possessed rare beauty. Her countenance wore a sweet, sad, resigned expression.

      Mrs. Butler – for she it was – suffered from great debility, brought on, not merely by ill-health, but by frequent vigils and fasting. So feeble was she that she seldom moved beyond a small room, adjoining her bed-chamber, which she used as an oratory; but on that day she had been induced by her daughter to come down-stairs.

      She was seated in a strong, oaken chair, destitute of a cushion, and propped up by a pillow, which she deemed too great an indulgence, but which was absolutely requisite for her support. Her small feet – of which she had once been vain – rested on a fauteuil. On a little table beside her lay a book of devotion.