I have not been to her as good a son as I should wish.

Let me ask her pardon, and show her that I have not forgotten her, ere we fare forth on our mission." Tom and his companion were drawing near to the Duke's property of Holywell, when Tom suddenly burst out with these words.

He had begun to feel a sort of proud, shy shrinking from thrusting himself, even as invited guest, into the house of the great Marlborough.

Moreover, the sight of the familiar country--for he had been wont to pay visits afore times to St.Albans--had awakened in him memories of the life which now seemed so very far distant, together with more tender thoughts of mother and sister than he had ever felt towards them in the days of old.
"I would meet you in three days' time wherever you would appoint me," he added, as Lord Claud remained silent and thoughtful; and there was a note of pleading in his voice which showed how much bent he was upon this visit of farewell.

"You have said you do not look to be less than three days at Holywell.