About this time, Mr. Courtland, Frank's father, went to Boston to attend the legislature, of which he was a member. He was absent many weeks, and Frank thought he never would come home. It was winter, and although Frank and Sam were industrious in their studies, and had much amusement in coasting, skating, making snow houses and images, the time appeared very long. At last, the stage which had driven past the house day after day, stopped before the gate, and Mr. Courtland jumped out. Frank was at the bottom of the walk before the trunk was taken off by the driver, and after he had welcomed his father, ran back to be the first to tell the good news to his mother, who was in her own room on the other side of the house, and did not even hear the noise of the carriage.
When Mr. Courtland had got warm and taken tea, he opened his trunk and took out some books and a little printing press, and the model of a mill which could be taken to pieces and put together again, which he presented to Frank; and a beautiful doll dressed in the fashion, and some toys for his little daughter Ann. He also gave Frank a very pretty book, which he had bought for Sam, for he told him that he knew he would be pleased to have Sam get a present as well as himself. Frank ran directly over to the farmer's to carry it, and received as much pleasure in giving the book to Sam, as from those he had for himself.
'Now father,' said Frank, (when he returned,) 'tell me about Boston; shall I ever see it, I wonder?'
'Yes, my dear,' said his father; 'I think you will see it very soon.'
'Are you in earnest?'
'Yes, truly. I have written to your mother about my plans; but I perceive she has not thought it best to tell you.'
'Perhaps she don't intend to let me go,' said Frank.
'I believe she is rather reluctant,' answered Mr. Courtland; but I have persuaded her to consent to it. My plan, Frank, is to send you to school. I have thought for some time, that it would be advantageous to you to go from home, where you would be obliged to act more for yourself than you do now; and where you would learn some things which you cannot learn here.'
'But I am sure,' said Frank, 'mother can teach me anything; and I know now, more than any boy in the village except Sam; who is a year older than I am.'