old woman."

"That she doesn't, father," cried the boy. "Why, she's the
youngest-looking and most beautiful lady at court."

"So she is, my boy--so she is. Heaven bless her!"

"And as for you, father, you talk about looking old, and about me
growing big and manly; I shall never grow into such a fine, handsome
officer as you."

"Why, you wicked, parasitical, young court flatterer!" cried Sir Robert;
"you're getting spoiled and sycophantish already."

"I'm not, father!" cried the boy, flushing; "it's quite true, every word
of it. Everybody says what a noble-looking couple you are."

"Do they, my boy?" said the father more gently, and there was a trace of
emotion in his tone. "But there's not much couple in it, living apart
like this. Ah, well, we have our duty to do, and mine is cut out for
me. But never mind the looks, Frank, my boy, and the gay uniform; it's
the man I want you to grow into. But all the same, sir, nature is
nature. Look there."

"What, at grandfather's portrait?"

"Yes, boy. You will not need to have yours painted, and I have not had
mine taken for the same reason. Is it like me?"

"Yes, father. If you were dressed the same, it would be exactly like
you."

"In twenty years' time it will do for you."

Frank laughed.

"But I say yes, sir," cried Sir Robert. "Why, in sixteen years' time,
if I could have stood still, we two would be as much alike as a couple
of peas. But in sixteen years perhaps I shall be in my grave."

"Father!"

"Well, I'm a soldier, my boy; and soldiers have to run risks more than
other men."

"Oh, but you won't; you're too big and brave."

"Ha--ha--ha! Flattering again. Why, Frank, I sometimes think I'm a
coward."

"You! A coward! I should like to hear any one say so."

"A good many will perhaps, boy. But there, never mind that; and perhaps
after all you had better not follow my profession."

"What! not be a soldier!"

"Yes. Do you really wish to be?"

"Why of course, father; I don't want to be a palace lapdog all my life."

"Bravo, Frank! well said!" cried the father heartily. "Well, you come
of a military family, and I dare say I can get you a commission when the
beard really does grow so that it can be seen without an optic glass."

"Oh, I say, father, you're beginning to tease again. I say, do get up
and walk across the room."

"Eh? What for?"

"I want to look at you."

Sir Robert smiled and shook his head. Then, slowly risi