“As if we needed to be told that,” cried Lady Gowan scornfully. “I am going to him directly I can get permission.”
“You are?” cried Frank excitedly.
“Of course. The Princess has been here to see me, and she has promised that if I am well enough I shall have an order to see your father in his prison to-morrow.”
“Oh!” cried Frank excitedly, “that is good news. I had come to beg you to appeal to the Princess. Mother dearest, the Forbeses are our friends, but you must not speak about them to a soul.”
“I, my boy?” cried Lady Gowan, clinging to him, and speaking passionately; “I can speak of no one—think of no one but your father now.”
“But you must, mother. It is important. They have promised to help my father to escape.”
“Frank!—no, no; it is impossible. Oh, my dear boy, you must not join in any plot. You must not—yes, yes, it is your duty to try and save his life, come what may,” cried Lady Gowan.
“Hush, mother! Pray be calm,” whispered Frank. “Now listen. You will not be asked to do anything but this.”
“Yes, yes. What, dear?” she said, in a sharp whisper. “No: wait a moment.”
She made an effort to regain her composure, and at last succeeded.