h I hadn't such a sharp temper, Frank," he said at last. "But it
is a queer position, and the harness galls me. I can't help it. I
ought to go away."

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

THE DOCTOR MAKES A SUGGESTION AND FRANK IS STARTLED.

"Your mother must be a favourite with the Princess, and no mistake,"
said Andrew one morning, "or after that business of your father's you
would never be allowed to stay."

"If you come to that," said Frank in retort, "if one half of what I know
about were to get abroad, where would you be?"

"Perhaps in two pieces, with the top bit carefully preserved, as a
warning to treasonable people--so called."

"I don't think that," said Frank gravely; "for they would not go to such
lengths with a mere boy."

"Who are you calling a mere boy?"

"You," replied Frank coolly. "You are quite as young as I am in some
things, though you are so much older in others."

"Perhaps so," said Andrew rather haughtily. "Anyhow, I don't feel in
the least afraid of my principles being known. You can't tell tales,
being one of us."

"I--am--not--and--never--will--be!" said Frank, dividing his words as if
there were a comma between each pair, and speaking with tremendous
emphasis.

"Oh, all right," said Andrew, with a merry laugh. "I should like to
hear you say that to Mr George Selby."

"I'd say it plainly to him and the whole of the members of his club,"
said Frank hotly.

"Not you. Wouldn't dare. Come with me on Friday and say it."

"I? No. Let them come to me if they want it said."

"They don't. They've got you, and they'll keep you."

"Time will prove that, Drew. I'm very glad, though, that you have given
up going."

"Given up what?"

"Going to those dangerous meetings; and, I say, give up being so fond of
staring at yourself in the glass. I never did see such a vain coxcomb
of a fellow."

"H-r-r-ur!" growled Andrew, as he swung round fiercely upon his
fellow-page. "Oh, if I had not made up my mind that I wouldn't quarrel
with a brother! Ah! you may laugh; but you'll repent it one of these
days."

The lad clenched his fist as he spoke; but he was met by such a
good-tempered smile that he turned away again more angry than ever.

"I can't hit you--I won't hit you!" he gasped.

"I know that," cried Frank. "You can't hit a fellow who is fighting
hard to make you sensible. I say, who is this Mr George Selby?"

"Never you mind."

"But I do mind. I want to know."

"Well, a g