ank, looking at his friend wonderingly; "but
of course I can't go where I like."

A few minutes later one of the servants brought in a note and handed it
to Frank, who opened it eagerly.

"No answer," he said to the man; and then he turned to his companion.
"Read," he said. "From my father."

"`Come and dine at the mess this evening, and bring Andrew Forbes,'"
read the lad, and he flushed with pleasure.

"Of course you will not come," said Frank mockingly. "You could not be
comfortable with such a loyal party."

"With such a host as Captain Sir Robert Gowan!" cried Andrew. "Oh yes,
I could. I like him." He smiled rather meaningly, and then the
conversation turned upon the treat to come, both lads being enthusiastic
about everything connected with the military.

This was broken into by the same servant entering with another note.

"My turn now, Frank," said Andrew merrily; "but who's going to write to
me?"

To his annoyance, as he turned to take the note, the man handed it to
Frank and left the antechamber.

"Well, you seem to be somebody," cried Andrew, who now looked nettled.

"From my mother," said Frank, after glancing through the missive.

"Lucky you; mother and father both here. My poor father nowhere, hiding
about like a thief. Talk about friends at court!"

"It does seem hard for you," said Frank. "See what she says."

"H'm! `So sorry not to be able to speak to you yesterday. Come to my
rooms for an hour before the reception this afternoon. I long to see
you, my dear boy.'"

Andrew handed back the letter with a sigh.

"Lucky you, Frank. I say, don't repeat what I said about yesterday."

"Of course not."

"That's right. Men talk about things when they are alone which would
frighten ladies. She might get thinking that I should get up a quarrel
with that Steinberg."

"I'm sure my mother wouldn't think anything of the sort," said Frank,
smiling at his friend's conceit.

"Oh, I don't know," said Andrew importantly. "Yes I do, though. It was
a rather stupid remark. But I wish I were you, Frank," he continued,
with a genuine unspoiled boyish light coming into his eyes, which looked
wistful and longing. "Perhaps, if I had a mother and father here in the
court, I should be as loyal as you are."

"Of course you would be. Well, they like you. You're coming to dine
with my father to-night, and I wish I could take you with me to see my
mother early this afternoon."

"Do you--do y