“I don’t know about that,” replied Andrew. “But it’s a good thing for your father.”
“What! A good thing?”
“Yes; to get out of the service of such a miserable usurper. If it were not for the terrible upset to Lady Gowan, I should be ready to congratulate her.”
“That will do,” said Frank sharply. “Don’t get introducing your principles here.”
“Our principles,” whispered Andrew, with a meaning look.
“Your principles,” continued Frank, with emphasis. “I’m in no temper for that, and I don’t want to quarrel. I must go and tell her as soon as I’m off duty. She’ll be ready to hate the sight of me for always bringing her bad news.”
But before the boy was relieved from his daily duties in the anteroom, a note was brought to him from Lady Gowan confirming Andrew’s words. In fact, Frank’s mother had known the worst over-night. But there was other news in the letter which told the lad that his father was to leave London that evening, that he was to accompany his mother to see him for a farewell interview, and that she wished him to be ready to go with her at seven o’clock.
Frank read the letter twice, and felt puzzled. He read it again, and sought out his friend.
“Been to see Lady Gowan?” Andrew asked.
“No; read this.”