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nce is well-disposed toward me. You must stay here for the present." "But I am sure that her Royal Highness will wish me to leave her service now." "And I am not," said Sir Robert. "For the present I wish you to stay." Lady Gowan bent down and kissed his hand in obedience to her husband's wishes. "But you will take me with you, father?" cried Frank. "You, my boy? No. You cannot leave your mother. She and I both look to you to fill my place till the happier days come, when I can return to England. You hear me, Frank?" A protest was on the lad's lips; but there was a stern decision in Sir Robert's eyes and tones which silenced it, and with quivering lip he stood listening to his father's instructions, till there was a tap at the door, and an officer appeared to announce that the visitors must leave. "Very well," said Sir Robert quietly, and the officer withdrew. "Oh, father!" cried Frank, "let me go and ask for another hour." "No, my boy," said Sir Robert, firmly. "It is better so. Why should we try to prolong pain? Good-bye, Frank, till we meet again. You must be a man now, young as you are. I leave your mother in your care." His farewell to Lady Gowan was very brief, and then at his wish she tore herself away, and with her veil drawn-down to hide her emotion, she hurried out, resting on Frank's arm; while he, in spite of his father's recent words, was half choked as he felt how his mother was sobbing. "Don't speak to me, dear," she whispered, as they reached her apartments. "I cannot bear it. I feel as if we were forsaking your father in the time of his greatest need." It was painful to leave her suffering; but there was a feeling of desire urging the lad away, and he hurried out, finding Andrew faithfully waiting at the door, and ready to press his hand in sympathy. "It's terribly hard, lad," he said. "Oh, dear; what a wicked world it is! But you are coming to see him go?" Frank nodded--he could not trust himself to speak--and they started back for Sir Robert's quarters. They were none too soon; for already a couple of coaches were at the door, and a military guard was drawn up, keeping back a little crowd, the wind of the approaching departure having got abroad. The lads noticed that fully half were soldiers; but they had little time for making observations, for already Sir Robert was at the door, and the next minute he had stepped into the first coach, the second, sta
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