whispered. "I must go home first."

II

Dick was waiting by the porter's lodge as the boy rode in, and walked up
beside him with his brown hand on the horse's shoulder. Robin could not
say much, and, besides, his confidence must be tied.

"So you are going," he said softly.

The man nodded.

"I met Mr. Babington.... You cannot do better, I think, than go to him."

* * * * *

It was with a miserable heart that an hour or two later he came down to
supper. His father was already at table, sitting grimly in his place; he
made no sign of welcome or recognition as his son came in. During the
meal itself this was of no great consequence, as silence was the custom;
but the boy's heart sank yet further as, still without a word to him,
the squire rose from table at the end and went as usual through the
parlour door. He hesitated a moment before following. Then he grasped
his courage and went after.

All things were as usual there--the wine set out and the sweetmeats, and
his father in his usual place, Yet still there was silence.

Robin began to meditate again, yet alert for a sign or a word. It was
in this little room, he understood, that the dispute with Anthony had
taken place a few hours before, and he looked round it, almost wondering
that all seemed so peaceful. It was this room, too, that was associated
with so much that was happy in his life--drawn-out hours after supper,
when his father was in genial moods, or when company was there--company
that would never come again--and laughter and gallant talk went round.
There was the fire burning in the new stove--that which had so much
excited him only a year or two ago, for it was then the first that he
had ever seen: there was the table where he had written his little
letter; there was "Christ carrying His Cross."

"So you have sent your friend to insult me; now!"

Robin started. The voice was quiet enough, but full of a suppressed
force.

"I have not, sir. I met Mr. Babington at Froggatt on his way back. He
told me. I am very sorry for it."

"And you talked with him at Padley, too, no doubt?"

"Yes, sir."

His father suddenly wheeled round on him.

"Do you think I have no sense, then? Do you think I do not know what you
and your friends speak of?"

Robin was silent.

He was astonished how little afraid he was. His heart beat loud enough
in his ears; yet he felt none of that helplessness that had fallen on
him before wh