THREE months passed.

During that time Frank remained in London; pursuing his new duties, and writing occasionally to report himself to Mr.
Vanstone, as he had promised.
His letters were not enthusiastic on the subject of mercantile occupations.

He described himself as being still painfully loose in his figures.

He was also more firmly persuaded than ever--now when it was unfortunately too late--that he preferred engineering to trade.

In spite of this conviction; in spite of headaches caused by sitting on a high stool and stooping over ledgers in unwholesome air; in spite of want of society, and hasty breakfasts, and bad dinners at chop-houses, his attendance at the office was regular, and his diligence at the desk unremitting.