"I suppose we all must have some weak point, and it seems to be Mr. Merriwell's weakness to gather such hideous truck. I'm sure he's a gentleman, and I think just as much of him as I ever did."
Frank bowed gracefully and expressed his thanks.
"Can't help looking at the stuff," said the spinster, readjusting her spectacles and turning her back squarely on Frank and Inza. "I like to see what crazy notions they do get up."
She appeared to be very busy examining the collection of bric-a-brac and curiosities.
Frank and Inza looked at each other a moment, and then their hands met. He drew her to a seat on the sofa.
For some time they chatted of various matters that interested them alone, Miss Gale being strangely taken up with the trinkets in the meantime.
"Is this the way she usually chaperones you, Inza?" asked Frank, after a while, smiling.
"Goodness, no!" replied the girl. "If you were any one but Frank Merriwell she would be sitting stiff and straight on a chair, never taking her eyes off us for a moment. But you—she thinks you are the finest young man in the world. You have completely won her withered old heart, Frank. You should hear her praise you to papa."
"I'm lucky to have such a champion. Has your father given over the hope of marrying you off to some rich man?"
"I don't know about that. He hasn't mentioned it of late. I think his ill luck has discouraged him."