“And you say, then?”
“That you must go, father. Yes, you must go.”
“Right! my brave boy, right!” cried Sir Godfrey, seizing the lad’s hand. “I must go—at once. And you, while I am gone, will be your mother’s help and support—your sister’s protector.”
Scarlett did not speak, but looked his father firmly in the face.
“I shall leave everything in your hands, and from this day forward you must cease to be a boy, and act as a calm and thoughtful man. I make you my steward and representative, Scarlett. Do your best, and by your quiet, consistent conduct, make yourself obeyed. You understand?”
“I hear what you say, father.”
“Well, sir, why do you speak in that hesitating way?”
“Because, father, I shall not be here.”
“Scarlett!” cried Sir Godfrey, in a tone full of displeasure.
“Don’t be angry with me, father,” cried the lad. “You are going away—because the king wants the help of every loyal heart. Well, father, you will take me too.”