"As strong as you can make it. Tea is a favorite drink of mine. I have drunk it in its native land—in fact, everywhere."
"Have you been in China, Colonel Sharpley?"
"Yes, madam. I spent three months there—learned to talk broken China a little," he added, with a laugh. "Yes, Mrs. Craven, I have been a rover."
"He has been telling me about Switzerland, mother," said Frank, eagerly. "How splendid it must be to travel there."
"I am going back to Europe in three or four weeks," said Sharpley, ready now to spring his trap. "Were you ever there, Mrs. Craven?"
"No, sir; I am timid about traveling."
"I was going to ask why you and my friend Craven didn't pull up stakes and go abroad for a time?"
"I am afraid I am getting too old to travel, Colonel Sharpley."
"Old! my dear madam? Why you're in the prime of life. If you are getting old, what shall I say about myself?"
"I suppose I am not quite venerable," said Mrs. Craven, smiling, "but I should shrink from the voyage."