"I leave that to you, sir. Whatever you think right will satisfy me."
"Let me see, you want fifty cents to buy papers, and you will require something to pay for your bed."
"Fifty cents in all will be enough, sir."
"I think I had better give you a dollar," said the old gentleman, opening his pocket-book.
Frank's eyes sparkled. A dollar would do him a great deal of good; with a dollar he would feel quite independent.
"Thank you, sir," he said. "It is more than I earned, but it will be very acceptable."
He put on his hat, and was about to leave the house, when Mr. Bowen suddenly said, "Oh, I think you'd better stay to dinner. It will be on the table directly. My niece is away, and if you don't stay I shall be alone."
Frank did not know what to say. He was rather abashed by the invitation, but, as the old gentleman was to be alone, it did not seem so formidable.
"I am afraid I don't look fit," he said.
"You can go upstairs and wash your face and hands. You'll find a clothes-brush there also. I'll ring for Susan to show you the way."