emselves.

And so matters went on for some days. Frank had been constantly in
company with Andrew Forbes, and his admiration for the handsome lad grew
into a hearty friendship, which was as warmly returned.

"He can't help knowing he is good-looking," thought Frank, "and that
makes him a bit conceited; but it will soon wear off. I shall joke him
out of it. And he knows so much. He is so manly. He makes me feel
like an awkward schoolboy beside him."

Frank knitted his brow a little over these thoughts, but he brightened
up with a laugh directly.

"I think I could startle him, though," he said half aloud, "if I had him
down at Winchester."

It was one bright morning at the Palace, where he was standing at the
anteroom window just after the regular morning military display, and he
had hardly thought this when a couple of hands were passed over his
eyes, and he was held fast.

"I know who it is," he said, "though you don't think it. It's you,
Drew."

"How did you know?" said that individual merrily.

"Because you have hands like a girl's, and no lady here would have done
it."

"Bah! hands like a girl's indeed! I shall have to lick you into a
better shape, bear. You grow too insolent."

"Very well; why don't you begin?" said Frank merrily.

"Because I don't choose. Look here, young one; I want you to come out
with me for a bit this afternoon."

"No, thank you," replied the boy, shaking his head. "I don't want to go
and see mad politicians quarrel and fight in the city, and get nearly
squeezed to death."

"Who wants you to? It's only to go for a walk."

"That was going for a walk."

"Afraid of getting your long hair taken out of curl?" said Andrew
banteringly.

"No; that would curl up again; but I don't want to have my clothes torn
off my back."

"You won't get them torn off this afternoon. I want you to come in the
Park there, down by the water-side. You'll like that, savage."

"Yes, of course. Can we fish?"

"No, that wouldn't do; but I tell you what: you can take some bread with
you and feed the ducks."

"Take some bread with me and feed the ducks!" cried the boy
contemptuously.

"Well, that's what I'm going to do. Then you won't come?"

"Yes, I will, Drew, if I can get away. Of course I will. Oh, mother,
you there?"

Lady Gowan had just entered the room, and came up toward the window,
smiling, and looking proud, happy, and almost too young to be the mother
of the stout, ma