Inza Burrage had sent him word through her brother that she would visit Belinda Snodd that afternoon, and he might see her there, if he cared to call.
Belinda Snodd was the daughter of John Snodd, a rather queer old fellow, who ran an odd sort of boarding-house for summer people who visited the Cove, on which Fardale Academy was situated.

Snodd each year boarded a number of applicants for admission to the academy until they had prepared themselves for examination and been accepted or turned away.

Frank had boarded there when he first came to Fardale, and so he knew the family well.
But how could he meet Inza that afternoon?
He was in no mood to meet her.

She had regarded him as a hero--as being very near perfection.
If she knew the truth---- "I can't do it!" Frank muttered.

"Not till I face about squarely can I see her again." But, as the afternoon came round, he was seized by a great longing to catch a glimpse of her, at least.