mother sat up for a long time. Each felt that there was much to
be said, but no one of them felt like saying much then. Thoughts
of the approaching separation swallowed up all others. The
thought kept recurring that to-morrow would see them many miles
apart, and that many a long to-morrow must pass before they would
again be gathered around the fire.

"Frank," said his father, at length, "I have deposited in the
Brandon Bank four hundred dollars, about half of which I have
realized from crops sold this season. This you will draw upon as
you have need, for grocery bills, to pay Jacob, etc. For present
purposes I will hand you fifty dollars, which I advise you to put
under your mother's care."

As he finished speaking, Mr. Frost drew from his pocketbook a
roll of bills and handed them to Frank.

Frank opened his portemonnaie and deposited the money therein.

He had never before so large a sum of money in his possession,
and although he knew it was not to be spent for his own
benefit--at least, no considerable part of it--he felt a sense of
importance and even wealth in being the custodian of so much
money. He felt that his father had confidence in him, and that he
was in truth going to be his representative.

"A part of the money which I have in the bank," continued his
father, "has been saved up toward the payment of the mortgage on
the farm."