as
it is. Look here, Frank; you are growing fast into a man, and you must
try to help me as you did just now when I turned weak and foolish. The
intense longing to see your mother was too much for me, but I have
mastered it. You two are safe and well-cared for at the Palace, where
the Princess is your mother's friend. I am nobody now, and what I do
will not count as regards your mother and you. So try and be content,
and stay."

"But you, father? Surely the King will forgive you soon."

"Never, boy," said Sir Robert sternly. "So be careful. A hint dropped
of my whereabouts would give your mother intense suffering and dread for
my life; so she must not know."

"But your friends, father? Captain Murray--the doctor. Every one likes
you."

"They must not know, so be cautious. I feel quite a young man, Frank,
and don't want to have my life shortened, nor my body neither," he
added, with a grim smile.

"Oh, father!" cried the boy, with a shudder.

"We must look the worst in the face, Frank. By my return here my life
is forfeit, and the King's people would be justified in shooting me
down."

"Oh, but, father, this is horrible."

"Not to a soldier, Frank," said Sir Robert, smiling. "Soldiers get used
to being shot at, and they don't mind so much, because they know how
hard it is for any one to hit a mark. There, you are warned now, so
let's talk of pleasanter things."

"Yes, of course, father; but I may come and see you again often?"

"If you wish to see me taken."

Frank shuddered again.

"No. This must be your only visit. I am glad you have come; but I
can't afford to indulge in good things now."

"You are going to stay in England, father?" cried Frank anxiously.

"I don't know."

"What are you going to do?"

"That I cannot tell either, my boy; and if I did know, for your mother's
and your peace of mind I would not tell you."

"That isn't trusting me, father," said Frank gloomily.

"And that is not trusting me, Frank--to know what is best."

"Oh, but I do trust you, father. Now tell me," cried the boy eagerly,
"what shall I do to help you?"

"Stay where you are patiently, and watch over and help your mother."

"Is that all, father?" said the boy, in a disappointed tone of voice.

"All? Is it not enough to be trusted to keep my secret, the knowledge
which means your father's life, boy, and to have the guardianship of the
truest and best woman who ever lived--your mother? And you