Under the Dark Cloud.
There was no waiting for news now. Despatch succeeded despatch rapidly, and the occupants of the Palace were made familiar with the proceedings in the north; and as Frank heard more and more of the disastrous tidings he was in agony, and at last announced to Captain Murray that he could bear it all no longer.
“I must go and join my father,” he said one day. “It is cruel and cowardly to stay here in the midst of all this luxury and rejoicing, while he is being dragged up to London like a criminal.”
“Have you told Lady Gowan of your intentions?” said the captain quietly.
“Told her? No!” cried Frank excitedly. “Why, in her state it would half kill her.”
“And if you break away from here and go to join your father, it would quite kill her.”
Frank looked at him aghast, and the captain went on:
“We must practise common sense, Frank, and not act madly at a time like this.”
“Is it to act madly to go and help one’s father in his great trouble?”
“No; you must help him, but in the best way.”