“And poor Elizabeth was to be his excuse for coming here,” said Lucy.
“Yes, Elizabeth could always explain that he had come here to see her, and they knew that Father and I would believe her.”
“But I wonder how Franz went about it. He can’t act a part, and Elizabeth is sharp enough,” reflected Larry.
“Von Eckhardt put him up to it, of course. And I suppose Elizabeth was so pleased at the idea of seeing Karl and making up the quarrel that she was blind to the rest.”
Lucy’s eyes flashed with indignation. “And he pretended to be friendly. Oh, now I hope she sees what he’s worth!”
“Throw some wood on the fire, Bob,” said General Gordon, relighting his pipe. “How long are you going to be with us, Dick?”
“Not long, sir. I must get away as soon as I can.”
“I know someone else who ought to get away from here,” remarked the general, glancing at his daughter, who sat with hands clasped behind her head, her cheeks still pink from the day’s excitement, her fair hair ruffled where the firelight shone upon it.
“I, Father? What do you mean?” Lucy asked surprised.
“I mean that I want you to spend at least a few weeks this spring with the Leslies in England. Bob ought to go, too. You both need a change, and in Surrey you’ll find the quiet that seems to elude you this side of the Channel. Your mother will soon be here to look after me. I’m going to get you both off.”