“Go out, father. It’s so dull sitting here.”
“You had better stay in: the sun is hot, and you have been rather feverish. I want you to grow quite well.”
“So do I, father,” said the lad, smiling.
“Then do what Master Rayburn advised you. Keep perfectly quiet.”
“But it is such weary work doing nothing, father. I’m sure I should get better if I were out in the fresh air. Ah, there is Minnie;” for just then his sister came to the open window, and looked in.
“Why don’t you come out and sit in the shade here, Ralph?” she said. “Come and read with me.”
Ralph glanced at his father, who shrugged his shoulders and nodded, as much as to say, “Well, be off;” and the lad went out into the castle-yard, and then on to the little terrace where the new basin and fountain were looking bright and attractive, though still wanting in the fish Ralph was to have procured.
Brother and sister sat down in a shady nook, and watched the glint of the river through the trees far below, looked over the lovely prospect of hill and dale; and finally Minnie’s eyes rested upon the shoulder of the great shaley hill at whose foot the encounter with the disbanded soldiers had taken place.
“When is father going to lead the men to drive out those dreadful people?” said the girl at last.
“I don’t know: soon, I hope. When I’m better.”