There was a low murmur of satisfaction from the young officers around.
“Hah!” said Sir Robert, “I thought so.” Then with a quiet smile he caught Andrew’s and Frank’s hands: “So sorry, my dear boys, to have spoiled your evening. Go now.—Murray, old lad, see them off, and then come to my quarters.”
“Oh, Sir Robert,” whispered Andrew, clinging to his hand, and speaking in a low, passionate voice, “I am glad. That did me good.”
“What! You understood his words?”
“I? No.”
“That’s right! Go now, Frank boy. One moment, my lad. You are suddenly called upon to act like a man.”
“Yes, father! What do you want me to do?”
“Keep silence, my lad. Not a word about this must reach your mother’s ears.”
“Come, Frank, my lad,” said Captain Murray gently. “You are better away from here.”
The words seemed to come from a distance, but the lad started and followed the captain outside, where the young officers gathered about him, eager to shake hands and tell him that they were all so glad; but he hardly heard them, and it was in a strangely confused way that he parted from Captain Murray, who said that he could go no farther, as he wanted to hurry back to Sir Robert.