been determined that, should his
highness ask further questions about Beatrix, he should be answered by the
gentlemen of the house.

He was evidently disturbed and uneasy, looking towards the door
constantly, as if expecting some one. There came, however, nobody, except
honest John Lockwood, when he knocked with a dish, which those within took
from him; so the meals were always arranged, and I believe the council in
the kitchen were of opinion that my young lord had brought over a priest,
who had converted us all into Papists, and that Papists were like Jews,
eating together, and not choosing to take their meals in the sight of
Christians.

The prince tried to cover his displeasure; he was but a clumsy dissembler
at that time, and when out of humour could with difficulty keep a serene
countenance; and having made some foolish attempts at trivial talk, he
came to his point presently, and in as easy a manner as he could, saying
to Lord Castlewood, he hoped, he requested, his lordship's mother and
sister would be of the supper that night. As the time hung heavy on him,
and he must not go abroad, would not Miss Beatrix hold him company at a
game of cards?

At this, looking up at Esmond, and taking the signal from him, Lord
Castlewood informed his royal highness(20) that his sister Beatrix was not
at Kensington; and that her family had thought it best she should quit the
town.

"Not at Kensington!" says he; "is she ill? she was well yesterday;
wherefore should she quit the town? Is it at your orders, my lord, or
Colonel Esmond's, who seems the master of this house?"

"Not of this, sir," says Frank very nobly, "only of our house in the
country, which he hath given to us. This is my mother's house, and Walcote
is my father's, and the Marquis of Esmond knows he hath but to give his
word, and I return his to him."

"The Marquis of Esmond!--the Marquis of Esmond," says the prince, tossing
off a glass, "meddles too much with my affairs, and presumes on the
service he hath done me. If you want to carry your suit with Beatrix, my
lord, by blocking her up in gaol, let me tell you that is not the way to
win a woman."

"I was not aware, sir, that I had spoken of my suit to Madam Beatrix to
your royal highness."

"Bah, bah, monsieur! we need not be a conjurer to see that. It makes
itself seen at all moments. You are jealous, my lord, and the maid of
honour cannot look at another face without yours beginning to scowl. That
wh