“No,” said my uncle, “that’s my present. Frank, my lad, we’ve all been wrong; but I can’t apologise, for you led us astray.”
“Oh, that’s enough, Seaborough,” cried the General. “The boys don’t want to hear another word. Eh?—you were going to speak, Doctor.”
“Only a few words, sir. Colonel Seaborough, Mrs Burr, I cannot tell you how grieved I am for this painful episode—believe me.”
My mother went to the Doctor and placed her hand in his.
“Pray say no more,” she said gently.
“I will not, my dear madam, for your looks tell me that I am forgiven for my share of the mental agony I have caused you.—Of course, you will take your son away and place him in another school?”
“Eh? What for?” said the General sharply. “You don’t want him to go, do you, stuffy boy?”
“Oh no, sir,” cried Mercer.
“Do you want to go, Frank?”
“No, sir,” I said eagerly; “I should like to stay.”