'Because,' said the secretary, looking up with something between a snarl
and a smile; 'because to sit still and wear it, or to fall asleep and
wear it, is a mockery. That's all, friend.'
'What would you have us do, master!' cried Hugh.
'Nothing,' returned Gashford, shrugging his shoulders, 'nothing. When my
lord was reproached and threatened for standing by you, I, as a prudent
man, would have had you do nothing. When the soldiers were trampling you
under their horses' feet, I would have had you do nothing. When one of
them was struck down by a daring hand, and I saw confusion and dismay in
all their faces, I would have had you do nothing--just what you did,
in short. This is the young man who had so little prudence and so much
boldness. Ah! I am sorry for him.'
'Sorry, master!' cried Hugh.
'Sorry, Muster Gashford!' echoed Dennis.
'In case there should be a proclamation out to-morrow, offering five
hundred pounds, or some such trifle, for his apprehension; and in case
it should include another man who dropped into the lobby from the stairs
above,' said Gashford, coldly; 'still, do nothing.'
'Fire and fury, master!' cried Hugh, starting up. 'What have we done,
that you should talk to us like this!'
'Nothing,' returned Gashford with a sneer.
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