In Honour's Cause Part 84

"Very well, sir. You are master now," said the housekeeper sadly.

"He will be here to meet my mother, who will probably come over to-morrow."

"Oh, my dear Master Frank!" cried the woman, brightening up. "That is good news."

"So do all you can for my friend. He wants breakfast or lunch at once.

He's faint and hungry."

"Oh, I'll get something ready directly, sir."

"And you will be silent and discreet, Berry."

"You may trust me, sir; and I'll do my best to make your friend comfortable. Will he sleep here to-night?"

"If he wishes, Berry."

"Certainly, sir;" and the housekeeper hurried away.

"That's right," said Drew quietly. "I don't think any one saw me come.

Now you be off, and don't fail to send Lady Gowan to comfort your poor father in his distress."

They parted directly after, and Frank hurried back, and went straight to his mother's apartments.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

THE PRISON Pa.s.s.

"Oh, my boy!" cried Lady Gowan, "how long you have been without coming to me."

Frank looked at her in surprise, as she rose from the couch on which she had been lying--dressed.

"Yes, yes, dear, I feel stronger now. Have you any news? Where have you been?"

"Home," said Frank, watching her intently. "I have seen Drew Forbes."

"Yes, yes; has he any news?"

"He has seen his father, and says that you are not to lose hope."

"All words, words!" sighed Lady Gowan, wringing her hands.

"And that it is your duty to go and see my father in prison."

"As if we needed to be told that," cried Lady Gowan scornfully. "I am going to him directly I can get permission."

"You are?" cried Frank excitedly.

"Of course. The Princess has been here to see me, and she has promised that if I am well enough I shall have an order to see your father in his prison to-morrow."

"Oh!" cried Frank excitedly, "that is good news. I had come to beg you to appeal to the Princess. Mother dearest, the Forbeses are our friends, but you must not speak about them to a soul."

"I, my boy?" cried Lady Gowan, clinging to him, and speaking pa.s.sionately; "I can speak of no one--think of no one but your father now."

"But you must, mother. It is important. They have promised to help my father to escape."

"Frank!--no, no; it is impossible. Oh, my dear boy, you must not join in any plot. You must not--yes, yes, it is your duty to try and save his life, come what may," cried Lady Gowan.

"Hush, mother! Pray be calm," whispered Frank. "Now listen. You will not be asked to do anything but this."

"Yes, yes. What, dear?" she said, in a sharp whisper. "No: wait a moment."

She made an effort to regain her composure, and at last succeeded.

"Don't think ill of me, my boy," she said. "I wished to be--I have tried to be--loyal to those who have been our truest friends; but your father's life is at stake, and I can only think now of saving him.

Speak out--tell me what they wish."

"I hardly know, mother; but they only ask this: that you convey an important message from Andrew's father to mine."

"Is that all?" sighed Lady Gowan.

"You must drive over to our house when you leave here to-morrow; go in, and you will find Drew waiting there."

"Drew Forbes waiting at our house?" said Lady Gowan in astonishment.

"Yes; he will have the message from his father for you to bear, and you must not fail, for it may mean the ruining of his hopes."

"I--I do not understand, my dear," sighed Lady Gowan; "but I will do anything now. I would die that I might save his life."

"But will you be able to go, mother? You are so weak."

"The thought that I shall see him and bear him news that may save his life will give me strength, Frank. Yes, I will go."

Frank felt astonished at the change which had come over her, and sat answering her questions about his proceedings on the previous night, for, in her thirst to know everything, she made him repeat himself again and again; but he could not help noticing that all the while she was keenly on the alert, listening to every sound, and at last starting up as her attendant entered the room with a letter.

"Hah!" she cried, s.n.a.t.c.hing it from the woman's hands.

"And the nurse says, my lady, may she come in now?"

"No, no; I cannot see her. Go!" cried Lady Gowan imperiously; and she tore open the letter, as the woman left the room. "Hah! See, see, Frank! It is an order signed by the King himself. With the Princess's dear love and condolence. Heaven bless her! But oh! Look!"

Frank took the order and read it quickly.

It was for Lady Gowan, alone and unattended, to be admitted to the prisoner's cell for one hour only on the following day.

"I must write and appeal again, my boy. You must be with me."

"No, mother," said Frank sadly. "I was with my father last night. This visit should be for you alone."