“Ah! that’s better. Now you’ve dropped into your place again, boy.”
“You have something fresh—some great trouble—and you are hiding it from me.”
“Well, how can I help it?” said Andrew. “You’re bad enough as it is, and I don’t want to make matters worse.”
“But that’s what you are doing. Why don’t you speak?”
“Because you’ll go and tell dear Lady Gowan, and it will half kill her.”
“What!” cried Frank, springing at his companion, and catching him by the shoulder.
“And I look upon her as if she was my mother as well as yours, and I’d cut off my hand sooner than hurt her feelings more.”
“I knew there was something fresh,” cried Frank excitedly; “and, whatever it is, I must tell her, Drew. I promised her that I’d be quite open, and keep nothing from her.”
“There, I knew I was right. How can I help keeping it back? And don’t, Frank lad. I say, how strong you are. You’re ragging my collar about. I shan’t be fit to be seen.”
“Then why don’t you speak? It’s cruel, horrible,” cried Frank hoarsely.