The meal was but half over when he rose with flashing eyes, pale face, and
quivering lips. "I am neither a traitor nor a coward," he said between his
clenched teeth, "as perhaps time may prove to the sorrow of a father and
mother, sister and brother, who can so use one who ill deserves such
treatment at their hands." And turning, he stalked proudly from the room.
Enna was beginning a sneering remark, but her father stopped her.
"Hush! we have been too hard on the lad; he was always slower than Art
about making up his mind, and I've no doubt will turn out all right in the
end."
Soon after breakfast the father and mother had a private talk on the
subject, and agreed to try coaxing and entreaties.
"Wal always had a warm heart," remarked Mr. Dinsmore finally, "and I dare
say can be reached more readily through that."
"Yes, he was your favorite always, while you have been very hard upon poor
Arthur's youthful follies; but you see now which is the more worthy of the
two."
Mr. Dinsmore shook his head. "Not yet, wife; 'tisn't always the braggart
that turns out bravest in time of trial."
"Yes, we shall see," she answered, with a slight toss of her haughty head.
"I trust no son of _mine_ will prove himself so cowardly as to run away
from his country in her time of need, on whatever pretext.
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