'What already?' said Frank. And he took a friendly leave of the boys, who begged him to come out soon.
When they were in the carriage, Mr. Courtland asked Frank if the place answered his expectations.
'O yes, it is pleasanter than I expected; and I admire the boys; will they always be as kind, I wonder?'
'Perhaps not,' said Mr. Courtland; 'people are usually polite to strangers.'
'I suspect you will always find them so, Frank,' said his aunt. 'I have been there a great deal, and think it the most harmonious family I ever knew. They have so many occupations and amusements, and Mr. and Mrs. Reed are so familiar and affectionate, that all their talents and good feelings are called forth. They have no time for weariness, and rarely any cause of dissatisfaction.'
After two more days had elapsed, Frank's father asked him if he was then willing to go to school; and he answered 'yes,' without any hesitation. It was proposed that he should come into town, and pass Sunday with his aunt, whenever he felt inclined.
'If you are a good walker, Frank,' said she, 'you will always find companions; many of the boys walk in and out the same day, although it is four miles.'
'O, that is nothing,' said Frank; 'I have walked ten miles in a day, many a time.'
Frank took a cheerful leave of his aunt and cousins, and even of his father, who told him he should be out, once or twice before he returned home. The boys came up to welcome Frank, as soon as he arrived; and told him they were glad he had come to stay. For the next day was a holiday, and they were going into the woods to collect wild flowers and evergreens.