“Yes, pa,” said Julia.

Pliny said nothing, but stared at Frank, inwardly considering whether it would be possible to borrow some money of him.

“I am glad to meet you all.  I hope we shall become better acquainted,” said Frank politely.

“No doubt you will,” said Mr. Tarbox.  “They are rather bashful, but they long to know you.”

“How are you?” said Pliny, in a sudden burst of sociability.

“Pretty well, thank you!” answered Frank, finding it rather difficult to preserve his gravity.

“I am in a store,” said Pliny.

“In your father’s store?”

“No.  He wouldn’t pay me as much as I get where I am.”

Mr. Tarbox looked embarrassed.

“A smaller boy answered my purpose,” he said, in an explanatory manner.  “Pliny is suited for higher duties.  But our supper is ready.  It is frugal compared with yours at the Cedars, my dear Frank, but you are heartily welcome to it.”

“It looks very nice, Mr. Tarbox,” said our hero, “and I have not been accustomed to luxurious living.”

This answer pleased Mr. and Mrs. Tarbox.  Even if Frank should become a boarder on liberal terms, they didn’t wish to spend too much on their table.

“We couldn’t get sirloin steak,” said Mr. Tarbox; “but I hope you will find this good.”

“No doubt I shall,” said Frank, politely.

“Won’t you have another piece of steak?” asked Mrs. Tarbox.

Frank saw that there was but a small piece left, and, though his appetite was not wholly satisfied, he answered: 

“No, thank you.”

“I will!” said Pliny, quickly.

Mrs. Tarbox frowned at her son, but did not venture to refuse in the presence of her guest.  She cut off a small portion of the steak, and, with a severe look, put it on the extended plate of Pliny.

“You’ve got a good appetite, Pliny,” said Julia.

“So would you have, if you had to work like me!” grumbled Pliny.

After the steak came an apple pie, which was cut into seven pieces.  Mrs. Tarbox managed to make Frank’s piece a little larger than the rest.

Her husband observed it with approval.  He was very desirous that Frank should be satisfied with his fare.

When Pliny rose from the table, saying that he must be getting back to the store, Frank rose also.

“I will go with you,” he said, “if you have no objection.  I would like to take a walk.”

“Come along,” said Pliny.  “I should like to have company.”

“You will be a great deal of company for Pliny,” observed Mr. Tarbox, rubbing his hands with satisfaction.  “Just of an age and of congenial tastes.”

Frank hardly expected to find Pliny very congenial, but he wished to obtain some information, which he thought the latter could give him, and he also wanted to see something of Newark.

“I say, your name is Frank, isn’t it?” commenced Pliny: