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.
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