"Will you give me the particulars that you would not give to my uncle," began Arthur in agitation, the moment they were out of the house, as he placed his hand on the general's arm. "No matter what they are, I must know them."
"I would give them to your uncle, and welcome," said the plain old soldier. "It was to you I would not give them."
"But I must learn them."
"Not from me."
"If you will not give them to me, I shall apply to William Adair."
"William Adair can give them to you if he pleases. I shall not do so. Take advice, my dear young friend, and don't inquire into them."
"I will tell you what I suspect--that if any one had a hand in driving my father to--to do what he did do, it was his wife; my mother. You may tell me now."
"No. Because she is your mother."
"But I have the most urgent reason for wishing to arrive at the particulars."
"Well, Arthur Bohun, I would rather not tell you, and that's the truth. If poor Tom could hear me in his grave, I don't think he would like it, you see. No, I can't tell you. Ask Adair, first of all, whether he'd advise it, or not."