her bad news."

But before the boy was relieved from his daily duties in the anteroom, a
note was brought to him from Lady Gowan confirming Andrew's words. In
fact, Frank's mother had known the worst over-night. But there was
other news in the letter which told the lad that his father was to leave
London that evening, that he was to accompany his mother to see him for
a farewell interview, and that she wished him to be ready to go with her
at seven o'clock.

Frank read the letter twice, and felt puzzled. He read it again, and
sought out his friend.

"Been to see Lady Gowan?" Andrew asked.

"No; read this."

The lad took the letter, shrugged his shoulders as he read it, and
handed it back.

"That's plain enough," he said bitterly.

"Do you think so? I don't. I can't make out the end."

"You are to call for Lady Gowan, and take her to Sir Robert's quarters."

"No, no, I mean about a farewell visit."

"Well, isn't that plain?"

"But we shall go too."

"I don't think so. Your mother is the Princess's friend, and she does
not wish to lose her. You will both have to stay."

"Impossible!" cried Frank excitedly.

"Well, we shall see," said Andrew meaningly.

That evening Frank took his mother, closely veiled, to Sir Robert's
quarters, where he had been ever since the duel, with a sentry beneath
his window, another stationed at his door.

The pass Lady Gowan bore admitted them at once, and the next minute they
were in Sir Robert's room, to find him looking pale and stern, busily
finishing with his servant the preparations for an immediate start.

The man was dismissed, and father, mother, and son were alone.

Lady Gowan was the first to speak.

"You know the orders that have been given, Robert?" she said.

"Yes; I travel with a strong escort to Harwich, where I am to take ship
and cross."

"Of course we are going with you, Robert," said Lady Gowan.

Sir Robert was silent for a few moments, and Frank stood watching him
anxiously, eager to hear his reply.

"No," he said at last. "I am driven out of the country, and it would
not be right to take you with me now."

"Robert!" cried Lady Gowan.

"Hush!" he said appealingly. "I have much to bear now; don't add to my
burden. At present I have no plans. I do not even know where I shall
direct my steps. I am to be shipped off to Ostend. It would be madness
to take you from here yet. The Princess is your friend, and I
understand that the Pri