Jenny shook her head.
"Where did you tell him you were going?"
"I said nothing to him, but came away the moment I heard the ship was expected to arrive at Norfolk."
"Suppose I release him from the service?"
"I will persuade him to go back with me to Fairview, and then I know that all will be forgiven between him and his grandfather. You don't know how Mr. Lofton has failed since Mark went away," added Jenny in a tone meant to reach the feelings of her auditor.
"He looks many years older. Ah, sir, if you would only grant my request!"
"Will the young man return to his family! Have you spoken to him about it?"
"No; I wished not to create hopes that might fail. But give me his release, and I will have a claim on him."
"And you will require him to go home in acknowledgment of that claim."
"I will not leave him till he goes back," said Jenny.