u, Frank," he said, very cordially.

"And I am much obliged to you for inviting me, Mr. Morton."

They sat down together beside the table, and conversed on a variety of
topics. Frank had numberless questions to ask about foreign scenes and
countries, all of which were answered with the utmost readiness. Henry
Morton brought out a large portfolio containing various pictures, some
on note-paper, representing scenes in different parts of Europe.

The evening wore away only too rapidly for Frank. He had seldom
passed two hours so pleasantly. At half-past nine, he rose, and said
half-regretfully, "I wish you were going to live in the village this
winter, Mr. Morton."

The young man smiled. "Such is my intention, Frank," he said quietly.

"Shall you stay?" said Frank joyfully. "I suppose you will board here?"

"I should prefer a quieter boarding-place. Can you recommend one?"

Frank hesitated.

"Where," continued Mr. Morton, "I could enjoy the companionship of an
intelligent young gentleman of your age?"

"If we lived nearer the village," Frank began, and stopped abruptly.

"Half a mile would be no objection to me. As I don't think you will find
it unpleasant, Frank, I will authorize you to offer your mother five
dollars a week for a room and a seat at her table."

"I am quite sure she would be willing, Mr. Morton, but I am afraid we
should not live well enough to suit you. And I don't think you ought to
pay so much as five dollars a week."

"Leave that to me, Frank. My main object is to obtain a pleasant home;
and that I am sure I should find at your house."

"Thank you, sir," said Frank; "I will mention it to my mother, and let
you know in the course of to-morrow."

CHAPTER XVII. A SHADE OF MYSTERY

Frank found little difficulty in persuading his mother to accept young
Morton's proposition. From her son's description she felt little doubt
that he would be a pleasant addition to the family circle, while his
fund of information would make him instructive as well as agreeable.

There was another consideration besides which determined her to take
him. Five dollars a week would go a great way in housekeeping, or,
rather, as their income from other sources would probably be sufficient
for this, she could lay aside the entire amount toward paying the
mortgage held by Squire Haynes. This plan occurred simultaneously to
Frank and his mother.

"I should certainly feel myself to blame if I neglected so good an