“Where are you going now, little chap?”
“Into the forest. I must. Don’t prevent me.”
“No. I will go with you.”
“But you are wanted; you are the real heir.”
“Time enough for that. I can only think of you now. Phil, you do look ill!”
“I’ll be better soon. Let us sit down at the foot of this tree, Rupert. Rupert, you promise to be good to mother?”
“Of course. Your mother did wrong, but she is very brave now. You don’t know how she spoke to my father and me yesterday. My father never liked her half as much as he does now. He says he is going to take Aunt Bella back with him—you and Aunt Bella, both of you—and you are always to live at Belmont, and Gabrielle and Peggy will make a lot of you.”
“I’m so glad; but I’m not going, Rupert. Rupert, do ask Gabrielle to be very good to mother.”
“Of course. How breathless you are! Don’t talk—rest against me.”
“Rupert, I must. Tell me about yesterday. Are all the links complete? Is it quite, quite certain that you are the heir?”