"It was invested, as I thought, safely; but the concern proves to be rotten, and my loss is total."
"I hope it won't seriously inconvenience you, Colonel Sharpley?"
"Oh, no; it is fortunately but a small part of my fortune," said Sharpley, with barefaced falsehood. "Still, it is annoying. But let it pass. To-morrow I shall feel all right. Meanwhile, if you really care to associate with this Tarbox, do so by all means. I confess he is not to my taste."
"He is not a countryman of yours, sir; he reminds me of home."
"Just so. By the way, I have letters for you from home."
"Oh, give them to me!" said Frank, eagerly. "I am longing to hear."
He eagerly opened the letters. One, a long one, crossed and recrossed, was from his mother. I will only quote one paragraph:
"I need hardly tell you, my dear son, how much I miss you. The house seems very dull and lonely without you. But I am glad you are enjoying yourself amid new scenes, and look forward with great interest to hear your accounts of what you have seen. I send a great deal of love, and hope to hear from you often.
"Your affectionate mother,
"Mary Craven."P.S.—Mr. Craven has written a note to you, which will go by the same mail as this."
The other letter, written in a masculine hand, Frank opened with some curiosity. He had not expected to hear from Mr. Craven, and wondered what he would have to say. His letter being short, will be given entire:
"My Dear Frank:
As your mother is writing you, I cannot resist the temptation of sending a line also. We both miss you very much, but are consoled for your absence by the knowledge that you are enjoying and improving yourself in the Old World. Had circumstances been favorable, how pleasant it would have been if your mother and myself could have accompanied you. Let us hope that sometime such a plan may be carried out. Meanwhile, I feel truly happy to think that you are under the care of my friend, Colonel Sharpley, whom I know to be a gentleman every way qualified for such a responsible trust. We are hoping to receive letters from you describing your travels. I will not write more now, but subscribe myself
"Your affectionate step-father,
"Samuel Craven."