"Hush!" said Margaret, suddenly putting her hand on her lip.
Jasper understood her caution, when he saw his step-mother enter thekitchen. She looked from one to the other with a suspicious glance.
"This is a strange place for you, Jasper," said she, in slow, coldaccents.
"I don't see why, madam," he answered, in a voice equally cold.
"I find you--a young gentleman--conferring with a servant."
"With a trusted servant, who has been in our family for years. Nothingcould be more natural."
"I don't agree with you," said Mrs. Kent, in a chilly tone.
"I am unfortunate in not winning your approbation," said Jasper, notcaring to suppress the sarcasm.
"It strikes me you are impertinent," said Mrs. Kent.
She had thrown off the mask. During her husband's life she had takenspecial pains to be polite to Jasper, though in so doing she didviolence to her feelings. There was no more to be gained by it, and shehad changed suddenly. Jasper could not help alluding to it.
"How happens it, madam," he said, "that your treatment of me has changedso entirely since my father's death? Brief as the interval is, you havelost no time."
There was hatred in the glance she shot at him.
"I was silent out of regard to your father, who was blind to yourfaults," she answered. "You must not expect me to be equally blind."
"I don't, madam."
"Do you intend to remain in the kitchen?" demanded Mrs. Kent
"I was questioning Margaret about my father's last days."
"I am the proper one to question."
"Would you have afforded me the information I desired?"
"If the questions you asked were of a proper character."
"Mrs. Kent, I will take you at your word. How does it happen that youdismissed Dr. Graham, my father's old family physician?"
His step-mother hesitated and looked angry, but she replied, after abrief pause:
"He did not understand the case."
"What makes you think so? He certainly ought to understand my father'sconstitution."
"Perhaps he ought, but he didn't," said Mrs. Kent, sharply.
"You haven't given any reason."
"I have given all I choose. I don't mean to be catechised by a boy."
"Who is this Dr. Kenyon whom you called in afterward?"
"A very skilful physician."
"He looks young."
"He has a high reputation."
"When did he assume charge of my father's case?"
"A week ago."
"And since then he has grown steadily worse."
"Who told you that?" demanded Mrs. Kent, sharply.
"Is it not true?"
"Did Margaret tell you this?"
"I did," said Margaret, quietly.
"I shall remember this," said Mrs. Kent, spitefully.
"I didn't need to ask Margaret," said Jasper, "when my father lies deadafter a week's treatment by this skilful physician."
Mrs. Kent was white with anger.
"You ought to know that life and death are in the power of no doctor,"she said, for, angry as she was, she saw that it was necessary to replyto what Jasper said. "In sending for Dr. Kenyon I did not much expectthat he would cure your father, but I felt that it was my duty to givehim this last chance. Unfortunately he was too far gone."
"You thought that matters were as bad as that a week ago, and yet youdidn't send for me?" exclaimed Jasper.
"It would have done no good," said she, coldly.
"But it would have been a satisfaction to me to see something of him inhis last sickness. Mrs. Kent, you haven't treated me right in thismatter."
"Is that the way for a boy to talk to his--elder?"
"Yes, if he says only what is strictly true."
"I shall not continue this conversation," said Mrs. Kent, haughtily,"nor shall I submit to be talked to in this style. It is not for yourinterest to make me your enemy," she added, significantly.
Jasper was frank and fearless by temperament, and anything in the shapeof a menace roused his high spirit.
"That consideration doesn't weigh with me a particle," he said, hastily.
"We will see," she retorted, and with a look of anger she swept from theroom.
"Margaret," said Jasper, abruptly, "did you go into my father'ssick-chamber at any time?"
"Yes, Master Jasper."
"Did you ever hear my father inquire after me?"
"I heard him say more than once, with a sigh like, that he wished to seeyou."
"And she wouldn't send for me!" exclaimed Jasper, bitterly.
"She always opposed it, saying it wouldn't do no good, and would onlytake you off your studies."
"Much she cared for my studies! Margaret, I will never forgive thatwoman, never!"
"Well, I can't blame you, Master Jasper."
Here Margaret heard her name called in a loud voice, and was forced toobey.
"She wants to separate us," thought Jasper, as he slowly and sadly wentup to his own chamber.
CHAPTER X.
NICHOLAS APPEARS UPON THE SCENE.
The funeral was over. Mrs. Kent was considered by those present todisplay a great deal of fortitude. As she felt no real grief for thedeath of her husband, this was not remarkable. Jasper looked pale andsorrowful, but gave way to no violent demonstrations of sorrow, thoughhe began to understand that he had not only lost his best friend, butbecome at the same time exposed to the machinations of a resolute andrelentless enemy.
In due time the will was read.
It was very brief, and clear in its provisions.
To Mrs. Kent was left one-third of the estate, real and personal, ofwhich the deceased was possessed, and the balance was willed to his onlychild and dear son Jasper, of whom his step-mother was left guardian.
When this clause was read Mrs. Kent directed a brief and triumphantglance at Jasper. He met the glance, and understood what it meant. Heknew that it boded him no good.
The company assembled gradually dispersed, and Jasper was left alonewith his step-mother.
"You see that I am left your guardian," she said.
"Yes," answered Jasper, briefly.
"Perhaps you would have chosen a different one if the choice had beenleft to you," she continued, with a sneer.
"I should," said Jasper, promptly.
"Well, that is plain language."
"I suppose you expected a plain answer," said the boy, firmly.
"I did not expect a polite one. You appear to forget that I am a lady."
"You are mistaken, madam. I am ready to treat you as well as you treatme. I won't pretend that I like your guardianship, as I fear that weshall not agree."
"If we don't, you will have to yield," said his step-mother.
"I would rather not dispute till it is absolutely necessary," saidJasper. "May I ask whether you desire me to return to school?"
"I have not made up my mind. I may be able to tell you to-morrow."
"Until you make up your mind you expect me to remain at home, Isuppose?"
"Yes."
Jasper bowed and turned away. He went down stairs into the hall just asthe front door was opened, and the familiar voice of Nicholas Thorne washeard. Jasper stared in some surprise at the intruder, not knowing thathe was expected.
"Halloo, Jasper!" said Thorne, boisterously. "How are you?"
"I am well," said Jasper, distantly.
"Where's mother?"
"Your mother? Your aunt, you mean."
"No, I don't. That's all gammon. She's my mother."
"She is!" exclaimed Jasper. "What made you deny it, then?"
"Policy," said Thorne, laughing. "Your father might not have liked it.Now it's all right."
"Did your mother send for you?" asked Jasper.
"Yes, of course she did. This is to be my home now."
Jasper made no comment. What could he say? If Thorne were hisstep-mother's son, it was only natural that he should live in the houseof which sh
e was mistress.
But it seemed to him as if he were being pushed out of his own father'shouse, and these strangers were coming in to occupy it He felt that itwould no longer seem like home to him.
"Well, where's my mother?" asked Thorne.
"She's up stairs. Shall I show you the way?"
"If you're a mind to. I guess I'll know my own way round here prettysoon."
"What a detestable fellow!" thought Jasper. "I am afraid we shallquarrel soon."
He led the way up stairs, and ushered Nicholas into his mother'spresence.
This uncouth boy was the one object this selfish woman loved. Sheuttered an exclamation of delight.
"Welcome home, my dear Nicholas!" she exclaimed, advancing hastily andthrowing her arms round his neck.
He received the embrace apathetically, but made no opposition, as atanother time he might have done. He felt on good terms with his motherand the whole world, in the face of the brilliant improvement of hisprospects.
"Are you well, my dear boy?" asked Mrs. Kent.
"Oh, I'm well enough, mother. This is a splendid old place, isn't it?"
Mrs. Kent laughed at Jasper.
"Yes, it is a fine country-place."
Jasper left the two, and went down stairs.
"Say, mother, how about the will?" asked Thorne. "Is it all right?"
"A third of the estate is left to me."
"Only a third! Does Jasper get the rest?"
"Yes."
"That's a shame. You ought to have had half."
"I shall have control of the whole till Jasper is of age. I am left hisguardian."
"That's good, anyhow. You must make him toe the mark, mother."
"I mean to."
"He's always had his own way, and he may give you trouble. He feels highand mighty. I can tell you."
"I shall know how to deal with him," said Mrs. Kent, closing her thinlips resolutely. "He will find me as firm as himself."
"I guess that's so, mother. You'll prove a tough customer."
Mrs. Kent smiled, as if she enjoyed the compliment.
"I'll stand by you, mother. If you have any trouble, just call me in."
"I don't expect to need any help, Nicholas; but I am glad to find I havea brave son, who will stand by his mother."
Certainly no one believed in Nicholas so thoroughly as his mother. Tothe world generally he was a cowardly bully, rough, brutal, and selfish.In his mother's eyes he was manly and a paragon of youthful virtue. Ihave already said that Thorne's affection for his mother was far lessdisinterested, as is very apt to be the case with boys. His intention tobenefit by the change of circumstances was shown at once.
"What allowance are you going to give me, mother?" he asked.
"I have not thought, yet, Nicholas."
"Then I want you to think, mother."
"How much do you want?"
"I want as much as Jasper gets."
"You shall receive as much," said his mother, promptly. "Do you know howmuch he has received?"
"Yes--he has had five dollars a week."
"That's too much."
"It isn't too much for me."
"I shall reduce his allowance to three dollars a week."
"You don't expect me to get along on three dollars?" grumbled Thorne.
"I will give you five."
"And Jasper only three?"
"Yes."
"Won't he be mad!" exclaimed Nicholas, with malicious satisfaction."What'll you say to him about it?"
"I shall merely announce my decision," said Mrs. Kent, coolly. "I am notbound to assign any reasons."
"Won't there be a precious row!" said Thorne.
"I presume he will complain, but he has not conducted himself toward mein a manner to secure any favors."
"I say, mother, can you give me my first week's allowance in advance?I'm awful hard up."
"Here, my son," said Mrs. Kent, drawing out her pocket-book and placinga five-dollar bill in her son's hand.
"Good for you, mother. When are you going to have supper?"
"In an hour."
"How much property did the old man leave?"
"The estate is probably fully up to one hundred thousand dollars. Thisplace is worth fifteen thousand. The rest is in good interest-payingstocks and bonds."
"And a third belongs to you! I say, mother, you've feathered your nestwell. I guess I'll go out and take a look round."
In the rear of the house, in front of the stable, Nicholas caught sightof Jasper.
He smiled maliciously.
"I'll go and tell him about the reduction in his allowance," he said tohimself.
CHAPTER XI.
THE OUTBREAK OF HOSTILITIES.
Jasper was quietly thinking over his change of circumstances when he wasroused by a rather violent slap on the shoulder.
Turning hastily, he saw that it was Nicholas.
"I say, this is a jolly place, Jasper," said Thorne.
"Yes," said Jasper. "It has been my home as far back as I can remember."
"That's where you have the advantage of me, but after all it doesn'tmake much difference, as long as it's going to be my home now."
Jasper didn't reply.
"I say, Kent, it seems odd that me and you are brothers," said Thorne,not very grammatically.
"We are not," said Jasper, quickly.
"It's all the same--we've got the same mother."
"You are mistaken," said Jasper, coldly.
"You know what I mean. She's my mother and your step-mother."
"That's very different. Besides, the relationship is so very recent thatI find it hard to think of your mother as any relation at all."
"She is, though. I suppose me and you will be a good deal together now."
"I don't know what my future plans will be," said Jasper, not very muchelated by this prospect.
"No, I suppose not. Mother'll arrange about them. How much allowance didyour father use to give you?"
Jasper thought at first of refusing to reply, but it occurred to himthat under the new and strange circumstances it was not an improperquestion for Nicholas to ask. He therefore decided to reply.
"Five dollars a week," he answered.
"When was it paid?"
"On Saturday."
"See here," said Thorne, drawing from his vest pocket the five-dollarbill his mother had given him.
"What of it?" said Jasper.
"It's my allowance for this week," said Thorne, triumphantly.
"I congratulate you," said Jasper, coldly.
"That's kind in you," returned Thorne, with a sneer, "especially as youare cut down."
"What do you mean?" asked Jasper, hastily.
"Mother says five dollars a week is too much for you. She's going to cutyou down to three."
The indignant color came to Jasper's cheek. Was this interloper--thisstranger--to be preferred to him in his own father's house? He was notexcessively fond of money, and had there been need would not haveobjected to a reduction of his allowance. But to be deprived of hisrights in favor of a fellow like Thorne was intolerable. If Nicholaswished to annoy and anger him, he had succeeded.
"Who told you this?" demanded Jasper, sharply.
"My mother," answered Nicholas, with a gratified smile.
"When?"
"About fifteen minutes ago," replied Thorne, with provoking coolness.
"I don't think she would do anything so outrageous."
"Don't you? You'll find mother's got plenty of grit."
"So have I," said Jasper, his face hardening. "If your mother undertakesto wrong me she will repent it."
"You had better not say that to her," said Thorne, insolently.
"I shall when the proper time comes. My allowance is not due yet. Idon't care for the money, but my father knew what it was proper for meto have."
"There's going to be a row," thought Nicholas, with satisfaction. "I'llbet on mother. She'll put down this whipper-snapper."
Jasper turn
ed away, and walked out of the yard.
"Where are you going?" asked Thorne.
"To walk."
"I guess I'll go along, too."
"I would rather go alone."
"You're not very polite."
"Excuse me," said Jasper, with the instinct of a gentleman. "You wouldfind me very poor company. Another time we will walk together."
"Oh, just as you like; I don't want to intrude," said Thorne, sulkily.
They did not meet again till supper. Mrs. Kent presided. On one side satNicholas, on the other Jasper. Our hero looked sad. The kind, worn facehe was accustomed to see at the head of the table was gone forever. Hefelt that he was indeed desolate. His appetite was very small, while, onthe other hand, Nicholas seemed to be famished. His mother kept plyinghim with dainties and tidbits, and he appeared to like the treatmentamazingly.
"Why don't you eat, Jasper?" asked Thorne with his mouth full.
"I am not hungry."
"I should think your walk might have given you an appetite."
"It doesn't appear to."
"You look awful glum. Is it what I said this afternoon?"
"About what?"
"Your allowance being cut down."
"I wasn't thinking about that particularly. Besides, you are not the onefrom whom I expect to receive such communications."
"It's all true, though, as you will find. Ain't it, mother?" persistedNicholas, who was anxious to have the row come off as soon as possible.