He began to see that he had overshot the mark. He would risk the utter failure of all his plans if a separation should take place between them. So, though it went against his grain, he resolved to make up with Frank. Forcing a smile, therefore, he said:
"Are you really anxious to leave me, Frank?"
Our hero was bewildered by the unexpected change of manner.
"I thought you were tired of me, sir," he said. "I am afraid I give you trouble and interfere with your plans."
"Not at all. I am sorry if I have given you such an impression. The fact is, I am vexed and irritated at some news I have heard, and that made me disposed to vent my irritation on you."
"I am sorry, sir, if you have had bad news. Is it anything serious?"
"Not very serious," said Sharpley; "but," he added, with ready invention, "it is vexatious to hear that I have lost a thousand pounds."
"Yes; that is a serious loss," said Frank, with sympathy.
"It was invested, as I thought, safely; but the concern proves to be rotten, and my loss is total."
"I hope it won't seriously inconvenience you, Colonel Sharpley?"
"Oh, no; it is fortunately but a small part of my fortune," said Sharpley, with barefaced falsehood. "Still, it is annoying. But let it pass. To-morrow I shall feel all right. Meanwhile, if you really care to associate with this Tarbox, do so by all means. I confess he is not to my taste."
"He is not a countryman of yours, sir; he reminds me of home."
"Just so. By the way, I have letters for you from home."
"Oh, give them to me!" said Frank, eagerly. "I am longing to hear."
He eagerly opened the letters. One, a long one, crossed and recrossed, was from his mother. I will only quote one paragraph:
"I need hardly tell you, my dear son, how much I miss you. The house seems very dull and lonely without you. But I am glad you are enjoying yourself amid new scenes, and look forward with great interest to hear your accounts of what you have seen. I send a great deal of love, and hope to hear from you often.
"P.S.--Mr. Craven has written a note to you, which will go by the same mail as this."
The other letter, written in a masculine hand, Frank opened with some curiosity. He had not expected to hear from Mr. Craven, and wondered what he would have to say. His letter being short, will be given entire: