Frank listened in silence.
"I think you did right," he said. "I wouldn't submit to be ordered round by such a popinjay. He's the most disagreeable boy I know, and my sister thinks so, too."
"He seems to admire your sister."
"She doesn't appreciate his attentions. He's always coming up and wanting to walk with her, though she is cool enough with him."
Oliver was glad to hear this. To tell the truth, he had a boyish fancy for Carrie Dudley himself, which was not surprising, for she was the prettiest girl in the village. Though he had not supposed she looked favorably upon Roland, it was pleasant to be assured of this by the young lady's brother.
"Poor Roland!" he said, smiling. "Your sister may give him the heartache."
"Oh, I guess his heart's pretty tough. But here we are."
Frank Dudley's father was a successful physician. His mother was dead, and her place in the household was supplied by his father's sister, Miss Pauline Dudley, who,though an old maid, had a sunny temperament and kindly disposition. The doctor's house, though not as pretentious as Mr. Kenyon's, was unusually pleasant and attractive.
"Aunt Pauline," said Frank to his aunt, who was sitting on a rocking chair on the front piazza, "I have brought Oliver home to supper."
"I am very glad to see you, Oliver," said Miss Dudley. "I wish you would come oftener."