“Don’t think ill of me, my boy,” she said. “I wished to be—I have tried to be—loyal to those who have been our truest friends; but your father’s life is at stake, and I can only think now of saving him. Speak out—tell me what they wish.”
“I hardly know, mother; but they only ask this: that you convey an important message from Andrew’s father to mine.”
“Is that all?” sighed Lady Gowan.
“You must drive over to our house when you leave here to-morrow; go in, and you will find Drew waiting there.”
“Drew Forbes waiting at our house?” said Lady Gowan in astonishment.
“Yes; he will have the message from his father for you to bear, and you must not fail, for it may mean the ruining of his hopes.”
“I—I do not understand, my dear,” sighed Lady Gowan; “but I will do anything now. I would die that I might save his life.”
“But will you be able to go, mother? You are so weak.”
“The thought that I shall see him and bear him news that may save his life will give me strength, Frank. Yes, I will go.”
Frank felt astonished at the change which had come over her, and sat answering her questions about his proceedings on the previous night, for, in her thirst to know everything, she made him repeat himself again and again; but he could not help noticing that all the while she was keenly on the alert, listening to every sound, and at last starting up as her attendant entered the room with a letter.