He was dressed in his best sailor suit, for he wore nothing else at any time, and looked very handsome.
The grand parlor of the old mansion had been thrown open, and they were received there by Mrs. Merrill in a dignified manner.
But there was that about her face which prevented obtrusive questioning, and after half an hour all arose to go, impressed with the idea that some mystery hung about the Merrills which they were not willing to attempt to fathom.
The Secretary renewed his promise to Mark, and the lad volunteered his services to pilot the yacht out to sea, which he did, returning in his surf-skiff, which had been tossing astern.
The skipper of the Midshipman dipped his colors to the lad as he sped away, while [the crew gave him a send-off in three rousing cheers].
CHAPTER XI.
THE PROMISE KEPT.
It seemed news too good to be true to Mrs. Merrill to feel that her son was going to have the advantages of a naval education.
He had enjoyed several years of schooling before they had moved to their coast home, and all else he knew she had taught him.
Fortunately for the lonely woman, who possessed a superior education, the library at Cliff Castle was well stocked with books, and from these had Mark been taught by her.