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g will." Andrew was silent for some minutes, and they walked on, inadvertently going down by the water-side, and directing their steps to the clump of trees where the duel had taken place. They passed over the ground in silence, each picturing the scene, and then went slowly on, so as to pass round the end of the canal--for such it was in those days--and return by the other side. Andrew was the first to break the silence, Frank being plunged in deep thought over the doctor's advice. "You ought to be very proud of your father, Frank," he said. "I am," was the laconic reply. "My father, when I told him, said he behaved most gallantly, but that he ought to have killed his man." "Your father!" cried Frank, staring. "Why, when did you see your father?" "Can't people write?" said Andrew hastily; and he looked slightly confused. "I did learn how to read and write," he added, with a forced laugh. Frank was silent for a few moments. "I say," he said at last, "doesn't it seem strange that we should be both like this--each with his father obliged to keep abroad?" "Very," said Andrew drily, and he glanced sidewise at his companion; but Frank was thinking with his brow all in lines, till they came round opposite to the house overlooking the Park, where he stopped to gaze up at the windows. "Poor old place looks dismal," said Andrew, "with its shutters to and blinds drawn-down. I wonder your mother doesn't let it." "What, our house?" cried Frank, flushing. "Oh, they wouldn't do that." "Seems a pity for such a nice place to be empty. But there is some one in it of course?" "Only our old housekeeper and a maid. Come along; it makes me feel miserable to look at the place." "But doesn't your mother go there now?" "No; she has not been since--since--" He did not finish his sentence, for a curious sensation of huskiness affected his throat, and he felt determined now to follow out the doctor's suggestion, so that there might be some one to take interest in the old town house again. He took a step or two, and then waited, for Andrew appeared to be attracted more than repelled by the gloomy aspect of the blank-looking place, and then, all at once, Frank's heart seemed to stand still, and a stifling sense of suffocation to affect him, so that it was some moments before he could speak, and then it was in a tone of voice that startled his companion. "Come away!" cried Frank angrily, and with
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