"That I will," said Frank.
"Then, if you really think it best, I will consent," said Mrs. Craven.
Frank was so overjoyed that he jumped from his chair and threw his arms around his mother's neck. A flush of pleasure came to her cheek, and she felt repaid for the sacrifice she must make of Frank's society. She knew beforehand that her husband's company would not go far toward compensating that.
"I congratulate you, my young friend," said Colonel Sharpley (for we may as well address him by his stolen title), "upon the pleasure before you."
"I am very much obliged to you, sir, for being willing to take so much trouble on my account."
"No need of thanks on that score. The fact is, I shall enjoy the trip all the more in watching your enjoyment. I am rather blase myself, but it will be a treat to me to see what impressions foreign scenes make on you."
"How soon do you go, sir?" asked Frank, eagerly.
"Let me see; this is the fifth. I will engage passage for the nineteenth—that is, if you can get ready at such short notice."
"No fear of that," said Frank, confidently.
"He'll be on hand promptly, you may be sure," said Mr. Craven, smiling. "Really, Frank, we shall miss you very much."