wife. Still a soldier, though during these peaceful
years I have been allowed to live peacefully here at home. The time has
now come when my master needs the help of all his loyal servants. He
calls me to his help, and do you think I am going to play the coward and
knave, and hide here in idleness while every rogue is striking at the
crown? Come: be a woman. Do your duty."

"My duty is to those children, Godfrey," said Lady Markham, piteously.

"And to your husband. You, as a brave, true woman, now that the
perilous time has come when ruin and destruction threatens the kingdom,
you, I say, should be the first to buckle on your husband's sword."

"Father!" cried Scarlett, "are you going away?"

"Yes, boy; I am summoned to Exeter. From there, perhaps to Bristol."

"And when do you come back?"

Sir Godfrey was silent for a few moments, and then said calmly--

"Heaven knows!"

"Godfrey!" cried Lady Markham, and she threw herself sobbing on her
knees.

"Oh, father, father!" cried Lil, running to him and catching his hand,
but only to be snatched up to his breast and kissed passionately;
"don't, pray don't go away. You'll break poor mother's heart."

"Hush, child!" said Sir Godfrey, sternly. "Do you think I wish to leave
all who are dear to me for the risks of war? Remember there is such a
thing as duty."

"Yes, father," sobbed Lil, nestling to his breast.

"Scar, my boy, what have you to say? You have heard the king's throne
is in danger, and he calls upon his loyal west-country gentlemen to come
to his help. Are we loyal or are we not?"

"Loyal, father, of course."

"And you say, then?"

"That you must go, father. Yes, you must go."

"Right! my brave boy, right!" cried Sir Godfrey, seizing the lad's hand.
"I must go--at once. And you, while I am gone, will be your mother's
help and support--your sister's protector."

Scarlett did not speak, but looked his father firmly in the face.

"I shall leave everything in your hands, and from this day forward you
must cease to be a boy, and act as a calm and thoughtful man. I make
you my steward and representative, Scarlett. Do your best, and by your
quiet, consistent conduct, make yourself obeyed. You understand?"

"I hear what you say, father."

"Well, sir, why do you speak in that hesitating way?"

"Because, father, I shall not be here."

"Scarlett!" cried Sir Godfrey, in a tone full of displeasure.

"Don't be angry with me, father," cri