"I have lent him to her, that's all."
"You talk of Rob as if he is a slave. He's a Briton, and 'Britons shall be free!'"
"So he is free, but he chose to be my servant when I grow up, and he shall be!"
Dudley dropped the argument, for Roy's face was flushing hotly, and he was wonderfully patient with him since his accident.
Miss Bertram entered the room at this juncture, and asked in her cheery brisk tones, "Would any boys like to drive me to the railway station in the pony trap? I am going up to London on business, and shall be away till to-morrow."
"Hurray," shouted Roy; "we'll come, and just read our letters, Aunt Judy! Won't they make Rob see how he ought to write?"
Miss Bertram took the letters in her hand, praised the little writers, and then sent them off to their rooms to get tidy for their drive.
A short time after, Roy mounted in front with his aunt, was driving her with pride along the high road; whilst Dudley from the back seat kept them lively with his chatter and flow of fun.
The boys always liked the bustle of the station; and getting a lad to hold the pony, they followed their aunt to the platform and saw her on board the train. Some friends spoke to her before the train went off and amongst them was a certain Captain Smalley.
"I say," said Dudley, nudging Roy; "he's an officer, and he is in the army, I expect he knows Rob."