"Proceed," said his stepfather, waving his hand.
"But a week remains of the school term. Did you propose that I should return there at the end of the vacation?"
"Humph! I had not thought much on the subject."
"It has all along been intended that I should go to college when prepared, but I don't think I care much about it."
"In that case," said his stepfather, with alacrity, "you would only be throwing away time and money by going."
He was quite ready to agree to Frank's surrender of the college plan for two reasons.
A college course would be expensive. Again, should he turn his attention to the law, he might hereafter give him trouble about the estate.
"I don't think I should throw away my time, for, if I went to college, I should go there to work faithfully; but I have a fancy for a more stirring life."
"It might be a good plan for you to learn a trade," said Mr. Manning, reflectively.
"Learn a trade!" exclaimed Frank, in surprise.