"Because in thy present position, which thou canst not escape, the knowledge would be dangerous to thee."
"How came my father to leave me in thy care? how did my mother die? why am I the only one left of my kin?"
"All this I am bound not to tell thee, my child; try and forget it all until thou art of full age."
"And then?"
"Perchance even then it were better to let the dead bury their dead."
Osric sighed.
"Why am I the child of mystery? why have I not a surname like my compeers? they mock me now and then, and I have had two or three sharp fights in consequence; at last the Baron found it out, for he saw the marks upon my face, and he spoke so sternly to them that they ceased to gibe."
"My dear boy, commit it all to thy Heavenly Father; thou dost not forget thy prayers?"
"Not when I am in the Castle chapel."
"And not at other times?"