“Oh, Drew!” whispered Frank; but the lad drew himself up, and took a few steps forward, placing himself between the Guards, and kept step with them as they marched out and down the stairs.
The next minute their steps were heard on the paving-stones without, and Frank darted to the window, to stand gazing out, feeling half choked with sorrow for his friend.
A touch on the arm made him remember that Captain Murray was waiting.
“It’s a pity, Frank,” he said; “but I did all I could. He’s a bit too high-spirited, my lad. The best thing for him will be the army; the discipline would do him good.”
Frank longed to speak, but he felt that his lips were sealed.
“Well, we must not let a bit of hot temper spoil our dinner, my lad. By the way, what news of your father?”
“None, sir,” said the boy sadly, though the thought of what Andrew Forbes had said made him wince.
“Humph!” said Captain Murray, looking at the boy curiously. “There, I don’t want to pump you. Tell him next time you write that there will be a grand night at the mess when he comes back to his old place. Now, then, we shall be late.”
“Would you mind excusing me, sir?” said Frank.
“Yes, very much. Nonsense! You must be quite hungry by now.”