t is," said Andrew, purposely misunderstanding him. "He'd
have killed your father with as little compunction as he would a rat."

"Yes, I'm afraid so," said Frank, with a shiver.

"But he won't be so ready to insult people next time; and next time will
be a long way off, I know. But, I say, it's sickening, that it is."

"What is?"

"The fuss made over a fellow like that. Baron indeed! He's only a
foreign mercenary; and here is your poor father sent out of the country,
while my lord has apartments set aside for him in the Palace, and he's
petted and pampered, and now at last he goes off in one of the King's
carriages with an escort."

"Oh, well, as far as he is concerned, it does not matter."

"Oh, but it does. I say it's shameful that such preference should be
shown to foreigners. If matters go on like this, there'll be no old
England left; we shall be all living in a bit of Germany."

"Well, he has gone," said Frank; "so let it rest."

"I can't, I tell you; it makes my blood boil."

"Go and drink some cold water to cool it."

"Bah! You'll never make a good outspoken Englishman, Frank."

"Perhaps not. I shall never make a quarrelsome one," said Frank
quietly.

"What! Oh, I like that! Why, you're the most quarrelsome fellow I ever
met. I wonder we haven't had our affair in the Park before now. If it
hadn't been for my forbearance we should."

Frank stared at his companion in astonishment, for it was quite evident
that he was speaking sincerely.

"Come along," said Andrew.

"Where?"

"Out in the Park, where we can breathe the fresh air. I feel stifled in
these close rooms, breathing the air of a corrupt court."

"No, thank you," said Frank.

"What? You won't come?"

"No, thank you."

"Why? We're quite free this morning."

"I'm afraid."

"What, that I shall challenge you to fight somewhere among the trees?"

"No; I don't want to go and feed the ducks."

"There, what did I say?" cried Andrew. "You really are about as
quarrelsome a fellow as ever lived. No, no; I don't mean that. Come
on, Frank, old lad; I do want a breather this morning. I'll do anything
you like--run races if you wish."

"Will Mr George Selby be out there on the look-out for you?"

"No," said Andrew, with a gloomy look. "Poor fellow! I wish he would.
Honour bright, we shan't meet any one I sympathise with there."

"Very well then, I'll come."

"Hurrah!" cried Andrew eagerly.

"It is stuffy and clos