"I already feel inclined to grant it, because it is your request.

I shall be sorry to be separated from you; but I am willing to sacrifice my own feelings, if it will give you pleasure." This did not impose upon Frank, who had a correct idea of the degree of fondness which Mr.Manning had for his society, but he was too well satisfied with the prospect of obtaining the permission he desired to imply any doubts.
"Again," continued his stepfather, "whatever you may say to the contrary, I know that the world will censure me; but I shall have the approval of my own conscience, and with that I can defy the world." Mr.Manning certainly did look like a righteous man when he said this, and he beamed upon his stepson with a glance that was actually affectionate.
"Go back to school," ho said, "and when you return I shall be able to give you a definite answer." Indeed, nothing could have suited Mr.Manning's plans better.

He would get rid of the care and nearly the whole expense of his obnoxious stepson, while with his son Mark he would be spending the revenues of the estate which belonged to Frank.
During the coming week he arranged his plans for a prolonged absence from the Cedars.

He wrote to New York to engage passage on a steamer bound for Liverpool, and quietly waited for the end of Frank's school term to release him from a care which had grown burdensome.
Frank returned to the Bridgeville Academy without Mark.

As may be supported, however, he did not feel the loss of his society.
He at once communicated to his chosen friend, Herbert Grant, his probable departure from school.
"I am sorry to hear it, Frank," said Herbert, soberly.