"Why can't we join company?" said Mr. Abercrombie, in a friendly manner. "Our young people are well acquainted, and we can keep each other company. Enlarge your plan a little, and take a guide."
"I wish the man was back in America," thought Sharpley. "Why won't he see that he's a bore?"
"Really," he said, stiffly, "you must excuse me; I don't feel equal to any sort of an excursion to-day."
"Then," said the other, still in a friendly way, "let your boy come with us. I will look after him, and my son will like his company."
Frank heard this application, and as he had taken a fancy to Henry and his father, he hoped that Sharpley would reply favorably. He felt that he should enjoy their company better than his guardian's.
Sharpley was greatly irritated, but obliged to keep within the bounds of politeness to avoid suspicion, when something had happened, as he meant something should happen before the sun set.
"I hope you won't think me impolite," he said, "but I mean, by and by, to walk a little, and would like Frank's company. To-morrow I shall be very happy to join you."
Nothing more could be said, of course, but Henry Abercrombie whispered to Frank:
"I'm sorry we're not going to be together to-day."