That evening Frank took his mother, closely veiled, to Sir Robert’s quarters, where he had been ever since the duel, with a sentry beneath his window, another stationed at his door.
The pass Lady Gowan bore admitted them at once, and the next minute they were in Sir Robert’s room, to find him looking pale and stern, busily finishing with his servant the preparations for an immediate start.
The man was dismissed, and father, mother, and son were alone.
Lady Gowan was the first to speak.
“You know the orders that have been given, Robert?” she said.
“Yes; I travel with a strong escort to Harwich, where I am to take ship and cross.”
“Of course we are going with you, Robert,” said Lady Gowan.
Sir Robert was silent for a few moments, and Frank stood watching him anxiously, eager to hear his reply.
“No,” he said at last. “I am driven out of the country, and it would not be right to take you with me now.”
“Robert!” cried Lady Gowan.