You may talk nineteen to the dozen--I shall write to my friend and say Yes, in Frank's interests, by to-day's post." Such were the circumstances under which Mr.Francis Clare departed for the north of England, at the age of seventeen, to start in life as a civil engineer.
From time to time, Mr.Vanstone's friend communicated with him on the subject of the new pupil.

Frank was praised, as a quiet, gentleman-like, interesting lad--but he was also reported to be rather slow at acquiring the rudiments of engineering science.

Other letters, later in date, described him as a little too ready to despond about himself; as having been sent away, on that account, to some new railway works, to see if change of scene would rouse him; and as having benefited in every respect by the experiment--except perhaps in regard to his professional studies, which still advanced but slowly.

Subsequent communications announced his departure, under care of a trustworthy foreman, for some public works in Belgium; touched on the general benefit he appeared to derive from this new change; praised his excellent manners and address, which were of great assistance in facilitating business communications with the foreigners--and passed over in ominous silence the main question of his actual progress in the acquirement of knowledge.

These reports, and many others which resembled them, were all conscientiously presented by Frank's friend to the attention of Frank's father.