e."

"Yes, yes," said the Prince, "too kind, perhaps, to have such a return
as--"

He stopped short as he saw a spasm contract the boy's features.

"But there," he continued, "you are not to blame, and I do forgive you,
boy. I liked the bold, brave way in which you showed your belief in
your father."

Captain Murray darted a quick glance at his young companion, as much as
to say, "I told you so."

"Go on, my boy, as you have begun, and you will make a firm, strong,
trustworthy man; and, goodness knows, we want them badly enough. There,
I will not say any more--yes, I will one word, my boy. I am sorry that
your father was not recalled some time back. He was a brave soldier,
for whom I felt respect."

Frank could bear no more, and he bent his head to conceal the workings
of his face.

"There, take him away, Murray, and keep him under your eye. There's
good stuff in the boy, and we must get him a commission as soon as he is
old enough."

"No, your Highness," said Frank, recovering himself.

"Eh? What?"

"I came to beg your Royal Highness's pardon, and to ask your permission
for my mother and me to leave the royal service at once. We both feel
that it is not the place for us now."

"Humph!" ejaculated the Prince, frowning; "and I think differently.
Take him away, Murray; the boy is hurt--wounded now.--That will do,
Gowan; go. No: I refuse absolutely. The Princess does not wish Lady
Gowan to leave; and _I_ want _you_."

"There!" cried Captain Murray, as they crossed the courtyard on their
way back to the officers' quarters; "it is what I expected of the
Prince. You can't leave us unless you run away, Frank; and you've
proved yourself too much of a gentleman for that. You see, everybody
wants you here."

Frank could not trust himself to speak, for he was, in spite of his
troubles, some years short of manhood and manhood's strength.

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.

THE WORST NEWS.

Next morning Frank rose in his old quarters, firmly determined to keep
to his decision. It was very kind and generous of the Prince, he felt;
but his position would be intolerable, and his mother would not be able
to bear an existence fraught with so much misery; and, full of the
intention to see her and beg her to prevail on the Princess to let them
leave, he waited his time.

But it did not come that day. He had to return to his duties in the
Prince's anteroom, and at such times as he was free he found that his
mothe