“If we lived nearer the village,” Frank began, and stopped abruptly.

“Half a mile would be no objection to me.  As I don’t think you will find it unpleasant, Frank, I will authorize you to offer your mother five dollars a week for a room and a seat at her table.”

“I am quite sure she would be willing, Mr. Morton, but I am afraid we should not live well enough to suit you.  And I don’t think you ought to pay so much as five dollars a week.”

“Leave that to me, Frank.  My main object is to obtain a pleasant home; and that I am sure I should find at your house.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Frank; “I will mention it to my mother, and let you know in the course of to-morrow.”

CHAPTER XVII.  A SHADE OF MYSTERY

Frank found little difficulty in persuading his mother to accept young Morton’s proposition.  From her son’s description she felt little doubt that he would be a pleasant addition to the family circle, while his fund of information would make him instructive as well as agreeable.

There was another consideration besides which determined her to take him.  Five dollars a week would go a great way in housekeeping, or, rather, as their income from other sources would probably be sufficient for this, she could lay aside the entire amount toward paying the mortgage held by Squire Haynes.  This plan occurred simultaneously to Frank and his mother.

“I should certainly feel myself to blame if I neglected so good an opportunity of helping your father,” said Mrs. Frost.

“Suppose we don’t tell him, mother,” suggested Frank; “but when he gets home surprise him with the amount of our savings.”

“No,” said Mrs. Frost, after a moment’s thought, “your father will be all the better for all the good news we can send him.  It will make his life more tolerable.”

Frank harnessed his horse to a light wagon and drove down to the tavern.

Henry Morton was sitting on the piazza, as the day was unusually-warm, with a book in his hand.

“Well,” he said, looking up with a smile, “I hope you have come for me.”

“That is my errand, Mr. Morton,” answered Frank.  “If your trunk is already packed, we will take it along with us.”

“It is quite ready.  If you will come up and help me downstairs with it, I will settle with the landlord and leave at once.”

This was speedily arranged, and the young man soon occupied a seat beside Frank.

Arrived at the farmhouse, Frank introduced the new boarder to his mother.

“I hope we shall be able to make you comfortable,” said Mrs. Frost, in a hospitable tone.

“I entertain no doubt of it,” he said politely.  “I am easy to suit, and I foresee that Frank and I will become intimate friends.”

“He was very urgent to have you come.  I am not quite sure whether it would have been safe for me to refuse.”