court," he told himself, "as well as the sweetest and the
best."

Time after time the words he wished to speak rose to his lips, for the
longing to make her his confidante over the Jacobite difficulty was
intense. But somehow at the critical moments he either shrank from fear
of causing her trouble and anxiety, or else felt that he ought not to
run the risk of bringing Andrew into trouble after what had passed. He
knew that Lady Gowan would not injure the mistaken lad; but still there
was the risk of danger following. Besides, he had to some extent
confided in his father, and would probably say more; so that if it was
right that Lady Gowan should know, his father would speak.

She gave him very little chance for making confidences till just at the
end of the hour she had set apart for him, when the maid appeared to
repair the disorder which she alone could see, but was dismissed at
once.

"Another ten minutes by the clock, and then Mr Frank will be going."

The maid withdrew.

"Oh, how time flies, my darling!" said the lady. "And I had so many
more things to say to you, so much advice to give to my dearest boy.
But I am proud to have you here, Frank. Your father's so much away from
me, that it is nice to feel that I have my big, brave son to protect
me."

Frank coloured, and thought of his companion's words.

"It reconciles me more to being here, my boy," she continued; "for you
see it means your advancement as well. But these are very anxious,
troublous times for both your father and me. And you are going to dine
with him at the mess this evening. Well, you are very young, and I want
to keep you still a boy; but, heigh-ho! you are growing fast, and will
soon be a man. So be careful and grow into the brave, honourable, loyal
gentleman I wish you to be."

"I will try so hard," he said eagerly; and once more he longed to speak
out, but she gave him no time, though at the last moment he would hardly
have spoken. As it was, he stood feeling as if he were very guilty
while she held his hand.

"Of course, my dear," she said, "you are too young to have taken any
interest in the political troubles of the time; but I want you to
understand that it's the happiest thing for England to be as it is, and
I want you as you grow older to be very careful not to be led away by
discontented men who may want to plunge the country into war by bringing
forward another whom they wish to make king."

"Mother!" began Fran