"You were wrong, then. For the plan was seized on with avidity as soon as proposed, but I am surprised at Mr. Linchmore, I did not for one moment think he would have seconded it. As for Charles, any hairbreadth danger pleases him. I do not believe he has ever been in a real fight, so he thinks to try a mock one." "I hope it may simply prove such," replied Amy, "but the last was anything but a mock fight; I do not think you were here at the time, but I dare say you may have heard of it." "Yes, and it is just that that makes us all fearful; as to Frances, she is just wild about it, I know, but to look in her face you would think her a piece of adamant, for aught you can find written there. I wish Charles would give it up; I think if we could only get him to throw cold water on it, the rest would soon follow his example. Do you mind helping me to try, Miss Neville?" asked Anne, knowing full well in her own heart that Amy's voice would have its full weight with one of the gentlemen at least. But Amy declined. She felt she dared not so brave Frances; and Anne, after expressing her belief in her unkindness, left her. Frances' face did look like adamant, so still and set; and yet she was feeling at her heart, more perhaps than any one there present in that large room. Would her voice have any weight with Charles? Would he stay behind if she asked him? While a chill fear crept over her as the thought flew through her of what might happen if he went; might not his fate be that of the man they had spoken of so recently? might he not be brought home even as he was--lifeless--and she never see him more? and then what would life be worth to her? As she watched him in the circle round Mrs. Linchmore, laughing and joking, and turning the fears of those near him into ridicule, she felt that now he was so near danger he was nearer and dearer to her heart than he had ever been before. He should not, must not go, if she could prevent it. Presently he moved away from the rest. She went and joined him. "Charles," she began, "are you really in earnest?" "About what, Frances?" "Determined on this expedition in spite of all opposition?" "Of course I am. What made you think otherwise?" "I thought you might have been persuaded to stay." "Then you thought wrong, cousin," said he, laughingly. "It is surely no laughing matter, when we are all so anxious." "It is that very circumstance makes me laugh. We must not show craven hearts just because women cry and sob." "But we are not doing anything of the kind." "At heart some of you are." "I am not for one," replied she, indignantly annoyed that he should suspect her. "Then why ask me to stay?" "Because you were the one who started the expedition; and if you say nay, all the rest will."