“Hush!” he said appealingly. “I have much to bear now; don’t add to my burden. At present I have no plans. I do not even know where I shall direct my steps. I am to be shipped off to Ostend. It would be madness to take you from here yet. The Princess is your friend, and I understand that the Prince is well-disposed toward me. You must stay here for the present.”
“But I am sure that her Royal Highness will wish me to leave her service now.”
“And I am not,” said Sir Robert. “For the present I wish you to stay.”
Lady Gowan bent down and kissed his hand in obedience to her husband’s wishes.
“But you will take me with you, father?” cried Frank.
“You, my boy? No. You cannot leave your mother. She and I both look to you to fill my place till the happier days come, when I can return to England. You hear me, Frank?”
A protest was on the lad’s lips; but there was a stern decision in Sir Robert’s eyes and tones which silenced it, and with quivering lip he stood listening to his father’s instructions, till there was a tap at the door, and an officer appeared to announce that the visitors must leave.
“Very well,” said Sir Robert quietly, and the officer withdrew.
“Oh, father!” cried Frank, “let me go and ask for another hour.”
“No, my boy,” said Sir Robert, firmly. “It is better so. Why should we try to prolong pain? Good-bye, Frank, till we meet again. You must be a man now, young as you are. I leave your mother in your care.”