e amused than vexed,
for he cared very little for his stepbrother's friendship. "I am in very
good health."
"And how are you getting along?" asked his stepfather, with an
appearance of interest. "Are you in any business?"
"Yes," answered Frank.
"What are you doing?' asked Mark, inspired a little by curiosity.
"I am agent for a wholesale tea house in New York," Frank answered,
briefly.
"You don't say so!" exclaimed Mark, rather impressed. "What is the name
of the firm?"
"The Great Pekin Tea Company."
"Does it pay well?" asked his stepbrother.
"I have met with very fair success," replied Frank.
"I congratulate you, Frank," said Mr. Manning. "Your energy and
enterprise are creditable--extremely creditable. I always predicted that
you would succeed--didn't I, Mark?'
"I don't remember hearing you say so," said Mark.
Mr. Manning shrugged his shoulders.
"Nevertheless," he said, "I have often made the remark."
"Where do you live?" asked Mark.
"I board in Clinton Place."
"A very respectable street," said Mr. Manning.
Frank now thought it was his turn to become questioner.
"How long do you remain in the city, Mr. Manning?" he asked.
"Not long--only a day or two," said his stepfather.
"We sail for Europe on Saturday," interposed Mark, "on the Cunard
steamer."
"Indeed! I wish you a pleasant voyage."
"I am sorry you won't go with us, Frank," said his stepfather,
cautiously. "You remember I gave you the chance to do so, and you
desired to devote yourself immediately to business."
"Yes, sir. I would rather remain in New York."
"It might possibly be arranged now, if you desire to go," said Mr.
Manning, hesitatingly.
"No, thank you, sir."
"Well, perhaps you are right," said his stepfather, considerably
relieved.
"What parts of Europe do you expect to visit?" asked Frank.
"We shall visit England, France, the Rhine, Switzerland, and perhaps
Italy."
"I hope you will enjoy it."
"Thank you; I think we shall."
Frank checked a sigh. It was certainly tantalizing. If he could travel
with congenial friends, he felt that he would very much enjoy such a
trip; but with Mark in the party there would be little pleasure for him.
"We are staying at the St. Nicholas Hotel," said Mr. Manning. "I would
invite you to come and dine with us, but I have an engagement first, and
don't know when we shall dine."
"Thank you, all the same," said Frank.
They had reached the New York side,
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