when Drew lay down again, as if
something was on his mind that he could not clearly grasp; but he said
nothing, and rang the bell, which was answered directly by the old
housekeeper.

"Mrs Berry," said Frank, "my friend here--"

"Mr Andrew Forbes, sir, yes."

"Hi! Hush! What are you talking about?" cried Drew, starting up
angrily. "I'm not here, my good woman. Do you want to send me to
prison?"

"Oh dear me, oh dear me!" cried the poor woman excitedly. "What have I
done now?"

"Nothing, nothing, Berry," said Frank hastily, "only it must not be
known that Mr Forbes is here. You must not mention his name again."

"Very well, sir," said the woman sadly; and she gave her young master a
reproachful look.

"My friend will have the front-door key, and stay here or come and go as
often as he likes."

"Very well, sir. You are master now," said the housekeeper sadly.

"He will be here to meet my mother, who will probably come over
to-morrow."

"Oh, my dear Master Frank!" cried the woman, brightening up. "That is
good news."

"So do all you can for my friend. He wants breakfast or lunch at once.
He's faint and hungry."

"Oh, I'll get something ready directly, sir."

"And you will be silent and discreet, Berry."

"You may trust me, sir; and I'll do my best to make your friend
comfortable. Will he sleep here to-night?"

"If he wishes, Berry."

"Certainly, sir;" and the housekeeper hurried away.

"That's right," said Drew quietly. "I don't think any one saw me come.
Now you be off, and don't fail to send Lady Gowan to comfort your poor
father in his distress."

They parted directly after, and Frank hurried back, and went straight to
his mother's apartments.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

THE PRISON PASS.

"Oh, my boy!" cried Lady Gowan, "how long you have been without coming
to me."

Frank looked at her in surprise, as she rose from the couch on which she
had been lying--dressed.

"Yes, yes, dear, I feel stronger now. Have you any news? Where have
you been?"

"Home," said Frank, watching her intently. "I have seen Drew Forbes."

"Yes, yes; has he any news?"

"He has seen his father, and says that you are not to lose hope."

"All words, words!" sighed Lady Gowan, wringing her hands.

"And that it is your duty to go and see my father in prison."

"As if we needed to be told that," cried Lady Gowan scornfully. "I am
going to him directly I can get permission."

"You are?" cried Frank