But it seemed an amazing waste of company that the figure should always be alone.

Why hadn't he proposed to go with him himself?
He didn't know; except, that it certainly would not have been accepted.

And yet they could have had quite a pleasant time for a couple of months; and, after a couple of months, surely Frank would have had enough of it! But, again--would he ?...

Frank seemed really in earnest about making his living permanently; and when Frank said that he was going do a thing, he usually did it! And Jack Kirkby did not see himself leaving his own mother and sisters indefinitely until Frank had learned not to be a fool.
He lit his pipe at last; and then remembered the commission with regard to the saddle--whatever that might mean.

He would stroll round presently and talk to the porter about it ...