“I am ready to listen,” said Frank quietly. “Fire away, old man.”
“Merriwell, as I am your friend, I hope you will take in good part what I have to say.”
“Don’t fear about that, Jack. Go ahead.”
“I know Paris is a rather giddy place, and—and——” Jack paused, to clear his throat, flushing, and looking more embarrassed than ever. “There is something in the atmosphere here that seems to take hold of the most staid.”
“Yes; a fellow feels new life and buoyancy.” Frank wished to say something to encourage the Virginian, although he was wondering more than ever what his companion could be driving at.
“Yes. Some old men, who must be good, sober citizens at home, act in a most ridiculous manner as soon as they come here. I have seen some of them in this hotel. They are giddy, and they make me sick!”
“But I fail to see what connection this has with me.”
“Er——Oh, it doesn’t have any real connection, but——Why, what I want to say is, that you have—you have acted rather strange for a day or two.”
“You said that before.”
“I believe I did. Don’t you ever think of Elsie since coming to Paris, Frank?”