when dissensions led his father to take the other side. The Princess
knows everything about him, and it was at my request that he was placed
here, where I could try and watch over him. Now, naturally enough,
Andrew has leanings toward his father's side; but he must be taught to
grow more and more staunch to the King, and I want you, who are his
closest companion, to carefully avoid letting him influence you, while
you try hard to wean him from every folly, so that, though he is older
in some things, he may learn the right way from my calm, grave, steady
boy."

"But, mother--"

"Yes," she said, smiling; "I can guess what you are about to say. Go,
dearest. No: not another word.--Yes, I am ready now."

This to her maid, who was standing in the doorway, looking very severe;
and Frank was hurried out to return to his own quarters.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

A VERY BAD DINNER.

"And I could have told her so easily then," thought Frank, as he went
away feeling proud and pleased, and yet more troubled than ever. "Wean
Andrew from his ideas? I wonder whether I could. Of course I shall try
hard; and if I succeeded, what a thing to have done! I'm not going to
think which side is right or wrong. We're the King's servants, and have
nothing to do with such matters. Drew has been trying to get me over to
their side. Now I'm going to make him come to ours, in spite of all the
Mr George Selbys in London."

That afternoon the Princess's reception-rooms were crowded by a
brilliant assemblage of court ladies and gentlemen, many of whom were in
uniform; and there was plenty to take the attention of a lad fresh from
the country, without troubling himself about political matters. He saw
his father, but not to speak to. The latter gave him a quick look and a
nod, though, which the boy interpreted to mean, "Don't forget this
evening."

"Just as if I am likely to," thought Frank, as he gazed proudly after
the handsome, manly-looking officer. He had a glimpse or two of his
mother, who was in close attendance upon the Princess, and with a
natural feeling of pride the lad thought to himself that his father and
mother were the most royal-looking couple there.

At last he found himself close to Andrew Forbes, who eagerly joined him,
their duties having till now kept them separate.

"Isn't it horrible?" said Andrew, with a look of disgust in his flushed
face.

"Horrible! I thought it the grandest sight I have ever seen. Wh