al compared with yours at the Cedars, my dear Frank, but you are
heartily welcome to it."

"It looks very nice, Mr. Tarbox," said our hero, "and I have not been
accustomed to luxurious living."

This answer pleased Mr. and Mrs. Tarbox. Even if Frank should become a
boarder on liberal terms, they didn't wish to spend too much on their
table.

"We couldn't get sirloin steak," said Mr. Tarbox; "but I hope you will
find this good."

"No doubt I shall," said Frank, politely.

"Won't you have another piece of steak?" asked Mrs. Tarbox.

Frank saw that there was but a small piece left, and, though his
appetite was not wholly satisfied, he answered:

"No, thank you."

"I will!" said Pliny, quickly.

Mrs. Tarbox frowned at her son, but did not venture to refuse in the
presence of her guest. She cut off a small portion of the steak, and,
with a severe look, put it on the extended plate of Pliny.

"You've got a good appetite, Pliny," said Julia.

"So would you have, if you had to work like me!" grumbled Pliny.

After the steak came an apple pie, which was cut into seven pieces. Mrs.
Tarbox managed to make Frank's piece a little larger than the rest.

Her husband observed it with approval. He was very desirous that Frank
should be satisfied with his fare.

When Pliny rose from the table, saying that he must be getting back to
the store, Frank rose also.

"I will go with you," he said, "if you have no objection. I would like
to take a walk."

"Come along," said Pliny. "I should like to have company."

"You will be a great deal of company for Pliny," observed Mr. Tarbox,
rubbing his hands with satisfaction. "Just of an age and of congenial
tastes."

Frank hardly expected to find Pliny very congenial, but he wished to
obtain some information, which he thought the latter could give him,
and he also wanted to see something of Newark.

"I say, your name is Frank, isn't it?" commenced Pliny:

"Yes."

"The old man's awful glad to see you."

"I am glad of it. He has received me very kindly."

"Got up an extra supper for you. We don't often get steak for supper."

This was rather an embarrassing revelation, and surprised Frank
somewhat. The supper had not seemed to him at all extra. It would do,
but was far from luxurious.

"I hope you'll stay with us a good while," continued Pliny.

"Thank you."

"You see we shall live better while you are with us, and the rest of us
will be gainers."

"I don't want to