Frank looked around, and saw his particular friend, Ben Cameron, just entering the gate.
"Tip-top, Ben," he answered, cordially. "I'm glad you've come."
"I'm glad to hear it; I thought you might be engaged."
"Engaged? What do you mean, Ben?" asked Frank, with a puzzled expression.
"Engaged in entertaining your future step-father," said Ben, laughing.
"My future step-father!" returned Frank, quickly; "you are speaking in riddles, Ben."
"Oh! well, if I must speak out, I saw Mr. Craven ahead of me."
"Mr. Craven! Well, what if you did?"
"Why, Frank, you must know the cause of his attentions to your mother."
"Ben," said Frank, his face flushing with anger, "you are my friend, but I don't want even you to hint at such a thing as that."