“Why,” cried Jack, “that fits the case exactly.”
“Well, then,” said his mother, “do not lose hope,” and putting her arms about his neck she drew him towards her and kissed him. “You know, Jack, you have always been very dear to me and I wish you to be happy. Whenever you need advice or consolation, always come to your mother.”
“I will,” said Jack.
He went downstairs feeling much happier than he had after his interview with his father.
He made his preparations to go to Paris, for he saw that nothing was to be gained by refusing to comply with his father’s request. He was to leave for London the next afternoon.
Soon after breakfast he went to the stables. Joe Grimm, his favorite stable-boy, had saddled his horse.
“I am going to take a little gallop,” he said, as he threw a shilling to the youngster.
He came back in about an hour, looking much refreshed, with his head clear, his mind light, and a great hope, restored by his mother’s words, in his heart. As he dismounted, he saw Hodson coming towards him in great haste.
“Your father wants you at once in the library.”
“What’s the matter?” cried Jack. “Is he ill?”