“Yes. Have you begun to repent already?”
“Oh no, father; but I thought that I should like to go over to the Manor to say good-bye.”
Sir Godfrey held up his hand.
“Impossible, my boy. By the same despatch I learned that Colonel Forrester—unhappy man!—has cast in his lot with the Roundheads. I am told, too, that he has been harbouring one of the enemy’s generals, who has been about the country organising revolt against his majesty, under the name of Captain Miles. Scarlett, my boy, the Forresters are the enemies of the king, and therefore ours.”
“Poor Fred!” said Scarlett, half aloud.
“Ay, poor Fred!” said Sir Godfrey. “Do you think it possible that you could save him from this fate by bringing him over to us? He is your friend, Scarlett?”
“Yes, father, but—”
“Yes, my boy, you are right. It would be a cowardly deed to try and separate father and son. Would it were otherwise, for I like the boy.”
“Like him, father? It seems horrible; just as if one was losing a brother, and could not stretch out a hand. And you would not like me to say good-bye to Fred, father?”
“You cannot now, my boy; neither while he is against us can I take Colonel Forrester’s hand again.”