Coming from a different direction, a boy reached the stile about the same time with himself, and both clambered over together.

“It is a beautiful morning,” said the young man courteously.

“Yes, sir,” was the respectful answer.  “Have you been up looking at the view?”

“Yes—­and to get an appetite for breakfast.  And you?”

Frank Frost—­for it was he—­laughed.  “Oh, I am here on quite a different errand,” he said.  “I used to come here earlier in the season to drive the cows to pasture.  I come this morning to carry some milk to a neighbor who takes it of us.  She usually sends for it, but her son is just now sick with the measles.”

“Yet I think you cannot fail to enjoy the pleasant morning, even if you are here for other purposes.”

“I do enjoy it very much,” said Frank.  “When I read of beautiful scenery in other countries, I always wish that I could visit them, and see for myself.”

“Perhaps you will some day.”

Frank smiled, and shook his head incredulously.  “I am afraid there is not much chance of it,” he said.

“So I thought when I was of your age,” returned Henry Morton.

“Then you have traveled?” said Frank, looking interested.

“Yes.  I have visited most of the countries of Europe.”

“Have you been in Rome?” inquired Frank.

“Yes.  Are you interested in Rome?”

“Who could help it, sir?  I should like to see the Capitol, and the Via Sacra, and the Tarpeian Rock, and the Forum—­and, in fact, Rome must be full of objects of interest.  Who knows but I might tread where Cicero, and Virgil, and Caesar had trodden before me?”

Henry Morton looked at the boy who stood beside him with increased interest.  “I see you are quite a scholar,” he said.  “Where did you learn about all these men and places?”

“I have partly prepared for college,” answered Frank; “but my father went to the war some weeks since, and I am staying at home to take charge of the farm, and supply his place as well as I can.”

“It must have been quite a sacrifice to you to give up your studies?” said his companion.

“Yes, sir, it was a great sacrifice; but we must all of us sacrifice something in these times.  Even the boys can do something for their country.”

“What is your name?” asked Henry Morton, more and more pleased with his chance acquaintance.  “I should like to become better acquainted with you.”

Frank blushed, and his expressive face showed that he was gratified by the compliment.

“My name is Frank Frost,” he answered, “and I live about half a mile from here.”

“And I am Henry Morton.  I am stopping temporarily at the hotel.  Shall you be at leisure this evening, Frank?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then I should be glad to receive a call from you.  I have no acquaintances, and perhaps we may help each other to make the evening pass pleasantly.  I have some pictures collected abroad, which I think you might like to look at.”