"I won't fight," he said, with an unpleasant smile, "seeing we'rerelations."
"Relations!" repeated Jasper, with a look of surprise and inquiry. "Idon't know what you mean."
"You'll know soon enough," said Thorne, mockingly.
A suspicion of the truth entered Jasper's mind. He turned pale, andsaid:
"Will you step aside with me, Thorne, and tell me what you mean!"
"If you like," said Thorne, indifferently.
"Now," said Jasper, when they had withdrawn a few rods from the otherboys.
"It appears you haven't heard the news," said Thorne, with maliciousenjoyment. "Your father has married my mother. That makes usstep-brothers, doesn't it?"
"My father married again!" said Jasper, recoiling as if he had receiveda blow.
"Yes. Strange you wasn't invited to the wedding, isn't it?"
An hour later Jasper, having obtained special permission from Dr.Benton, was on his way home, sick with apprehension lest this threatenedmisfortune should prove real.
CHAPTER V.
JASPER'S RETURN HOME.
His father married again, and he left in ignorance of his intention!Jasper felt hurt that his father, for whom he cherished so deep and warman affection, should have taken such a step without apprising him of itin advance. If he was to marry, certainly his only son ought to havebeen present at the wedding.
"But it isn't father's fault," he thought, bitterly. "It's the fault ofMiss Thorne. She is more artful and designing even than I thought. Shehas married my father for his wealth and position, and she was afraid Iwould dissuade him from such a step."
It was certainly a bitter thought that he must look upon this woman ashis step-mother--that she was to take the place of the mother whom hetenderly remembered, though six years had passed since she left him.But, after all, was it true? Might it not be the case that Thorne, whoevidently disliked him, had fabricated the story in order to annoy him?There was a gleam of comfort in this, and he felt that he wouldwillingly run the risk of being laughed at for having started on a"wild-goose chase" if only his fears could be relieved. But, after all,there was the possibility--nay, the probability, considering what heknew of Miss Thorne--that Thorne's story was all true.
The cars stopped for a brief minute at the depot in Morton, Jasper'sdestination, and he jumped out. He looked eagerly about him to see ifthere was anyone of whom he could ask information. To his joy he caughtsight of John, a serving-man in his father's employ.
"Halloo, John!" he cried, "give me a hand with my valise!"
"Why, Master Jasper!" returned John, in evident surprise, "I didn't knowyou were coming home."
"I am not expected," said Jasper. "I came at a moment's notice."
"You're too late for the wedding, Master Jasper."
"For the wedding!" repeated Jasper, his heart sinking at thisconfirmation of his worst fears.
"Yes; didn't you know of it?"
"I heard something, but not much. Tell me about it. When did it takeplace?"
"At ten o'clock this morning."
"At the house?"
"No; your father and the governess walked over to the church, and weremarried private like. There was nobody invited, but we were allsurprised that you didn't come to it."
"I knew nothing about it," said Jasper, sadly.
"It was Miss Thorne's doings, then--leastways, I must say Mrs. Kent's,now."
"I know it, John. My father would not have treated me that way. How longhas it been going on--the--"
"The courtship? Well, that was all on the side of Miss Thorne, I'mthinkin'. She wheedled your father into marrying her."
"I wish I had been here."
"Poor man! he felt too weak to resist, and he did it only because sheteased him. I can take my oath of that."
"It is infamous!" said Jasper. "Have they gone away?"
"No; they ain't goin', I've heard. Your father don't feel able totravel, and the governess--I mean your step-mother--she don't care much.They're at home now."
"Then I will go up. I suppose they will be surprised to see me."
"Yes, they will, but your father'll be glad. He sets the world by you,Master Jasper."
"I believe he does, John," said Jasper. "I wish I could have saved himfrom this misfortune."
"It's too late now entirely."
"You are right. I don't know but it might be best for me to turn roundand go back again to school without going to the house at all; but Imust face this thing, and see for myself. If you've got nothing else todo, John, you may carry my valise."
"I'll do it, Master Jasper, directly. You go up to the house, and I'llbe there in a jiffy."
So Jasper walked thoughtfully and sadly homeward.
We must precede him.
In a sunny sitting-room on the second-floor sat Jasper Kent's father ina luxurious arm-chair. He was barely fifty, but evidently a chronicinvalid. His constitution had been undermined years before by aresidence of several years in Central America, where he had acquired afortune, but paid a costly price therefor in the loss of his health.
For years he had done no business other than to take care of hisproperty, which was amply sufficient to enable him to live luxuriously.Yet he did not find the time hanging heavily upon his hands. Of astudious taste, he had surrounded himself with books and pictures. Hereceived regularly a New York daily paper, and the leading magazines andreviews, and barring his ill-health, and occasional seasons of pain,passed his time in a placid and agreeable manner. Circumstances,perhaps, had fostered a disposition to indolence, and made it moredifficult to resist the artful schemes of Miss Thorne, whom he hadadmitted into the house as governess of his little niece, FlorenceGrantley, but who had from the first cherished the ambitious design ofmaking herself mistress of the establishment.
It is needless to recapitulate the steps she took in this direction. Itis enough to chronicle her ultimate success.
We introduce the newly-married pair, as they sit conversing in thepleasant sitting-room already referred to.
"I think Jasper ought to be at once informed of our marriage," said Mr.Kent.
"There is no need of haste, in my opinion, my dear," said Mrs. Kent.
"Indeed, he ought to have been present at the ceremony. I am afraid thepoor boy will feel hurt that I should have left him wholly in the dark."
Mrs. Kent's lip curled. Evidently she had no particular feeling for the"poor boy."
"Lay the whole blame upon me, Mr. Kent," she said. "It was I who advisedit, and I am willing to take the responsibility."
"I know you advised it, my dear," said Mr. Kent, to whom this phrase wasyet new; "but I could not understand why."
"I will explain, and I think you will consider my explanation a goodone. It would have taken Jasper's attention from his studies, and itmight have been some time before he would have been able to resume themto advantage."
"That may be, but still on an occasion of this kind--"
"If the ceremony had not been so private--wholly out of regard to yourhealth--of course he should have been recalled. As it is, it is betteron all accounts not to disturb him. Did I tell you that I saw him lastweek?"
"Saw Jasper?"
"Yes."
"Was he here? Why did I not see him?" asked Mr. Kent, in surprise.
"It was not here that I saw him--it was at his school."
"At his school! How came you to go there?" inquired her husband in stillgreater surprise.
"I will tell you, though I have hitherto kept it a secret, as a matterof my own. Now, since I am your wife, it is only proper that I shouldacquaint you with it. I have a nephew at the same school."
"You have a nephew at Dr. Benton's boarding-school?"
"Yes," answered Mrs. Kent, lowering her voice to a compassionateinflection. "Poor boy! he has neither father nor mother! He is entirelydependent upon me. Out of my salary I have paid his expenses ever sinceI entered your employ."
"That was generous and kind of you," said her husband, approvin
gly."What is the boy's name?"
"Nicholas Thorne."
"Your brother's son, I suppose?" said Mr. Kent.
"Ye--es," she replied, hesitatingly.
"What is his age?"
"Sixteen. He is about the same age as Jasper. Do I venture too much inasking you to become his friend?"
Mrs. Kent modulated her voice, as she well knew how to do, tocounterfeit warm and tender feeling, as she proffered this request. Hernature was feline, and she knew how to conceal her claws.
"You may rely upon my co-operation, my dear," said Mr. Kent, kindly, "inyour noble task."
There was a latent gleam of triumph in Mrs. Kent's eyes as she heardthis promise, which transferred to her husband a burden which had longbeen a drain upon her own slender purse. She had dreaded the effect ofthis announcement upon her husband, and finally, as we have seen,thought it best to change the relationship and call Nicholas her nephew,and not her son. So that difficulty was well surmounted, and the effecthad been to impress Mr. Kent with a sense of her generous and unselfishdevotion.
But her exultation was short-lived. A bustle was heard outside. Aninstant later the door was thrown open, and Jasper entered the room,flushed and excited.
CHAPTER VI.
THE STEP-MOTHER.
"Jasper!" exclaimed his father, in surprise, but showing pleasure,nevertheless, at his son's unexpected presence.
The boy went straight up to his father, passing within two feet of hisfather's wife, but without even looking at her.
"Father!" he burst forth, impulsively, "is it true?"
"Is what true?" asked his father, embarrassed, for he guessed whatJasper meant.
"Are you married--to her?" pointing to Mrs. Kent, who looked indignantat the reference.
"Yes, Jasper," answered his father, nervously. "Shake hands withyour--with Mrs. Kent."
He was about to say "your mother," but something in his memory, perhapssomething in his son's face, led him to change the expression.
Jasper did not apparently heed the suggestion. Instead, he said,reproachfully:
"Why was it, father, that you left me in ignorance of your intention?"
"She thought it best," said his father, in an apologetic tone.
Mrs. Kent spoke for the first time.
"Yes, Jasper, we thought it would only interrupt your studies."
Jasper could not help a slight sneer, as he answered:
"You were very considerate, madam; but it seems to me that such animportant event in my father's life would justify an interruption."
Mrs. Kent repressed her real feelings of anger and vexation, andanswered mildly, and with an affectation of good humor:
"I don't know but you are right, Jasper, and we were wrong. At any rate,since you have come it is a pity you were not here earlier, so that youcould have been present at the ceremony. It was quite private, as yourfather can tell you."
"Yes, Jasper, there were no invitations issued," said his father.
"I wish that I had come earlier," said Jasper, slowly.
"At any rate, now that you are here," said Mrs. Kent, with well-feignedcordiality, for it was politic to keep on good terms with Jasper, sincehe was his father's favorite, "you will stay a day or two."
"You forget, madam, the interruption to my studies," said Jasper.
"I should like to wring the boy's neck," thought Mrs. Kent, her eyescontracting slightly, but she answered, amiably: "I am afraid I havethought too much of that already. Let me make amends by welcoming you,and asking you to stay as long as you can."
Mr. Kent nodded approvingly at these words of his wife.
"I ought not to complain," said Jasper, "since you treated me no worsethan you did your own son."
"Nicholas has betrayed my secret!" thought Mrs. Kent, turning pale.
"What are you talking about, Jasper?" demanded Mr. Kent, surprised. "Mywife has no son."
"Jasper means my nephew," explained Mrs. Kent, recovering her assurance.
"He said you were his mother," said Jasper.
"Yes," said Mrs. Kent, with admirable composure, "the poor boy hasalways looked upon me as a mother, though such is not our relationship.Indeed, I may say, orphan as he is, I have been a mother to him."
"And it is very much to your credit, my dear," said Mr. Kent, kindly."We must have him here on a visit. As Jasper's schoolmate, and yournephew, he shall be doubly welcome."
"You are very kind, Mr. Kent," said his wife, in a tone which might wellbe mistaken for that of grateful emotion. "It will, indeed, be a treatto my poor Nicholas to come here, even for a day."
"He must spend his next vacation here, eh, Jasper? It will be pleasantfor you to have a boy of your own age here."
"Do as you like, father," said Jasper, who didn't care to say howdistasteful the proposition was to him, or to explain the nature of therelations between Nicholas and himself.
Mrs. Kent looked at him sharply as he spoke, and understood better howhe felt. But, as he did not openly object, she was satisfied. It waswhat she had wished to bring about, and she felt pleased that theproposal had come from Mr. Kent, and that Jasper had not spoken againstit.
"I will go and order your room to be made ready for you, Jasper," shesaid. "You had better write to Dr. Benton that you will stay with us aday or two."
So saying, she left the room, and Jasper was left alone with his father.
"Don't you like this marriage, Jasper?" asked his father, anxiously,seeing that his son looked sober.
"No, father," answered Jasper, frankly. "I have not yet got over theshock of the first news."
"You think I ought to have told you about it."
"You are not accustomed to keep secrets from me, father."
"I did it for the best, Jasper; I wanted to tell you, but she--Mrs.Kent--thought it best not."
"I am afraid, father," said Jasper, sadly, "it will not be the only timethat she is destined to come between us."
"No, Jasper," answered his father, with more energy than was usual withhim, "that shall not be. I am sure she would not wish it, and I know Iwouldn't permit it. I hope, my dear boy, that you will become reconciledto the new state of things."
"One thing would reconcile me to it," said Jasper.
"What is it?"
"To be assured that it would promote your happiness."
"I feel sure that it will," said Mr. Kent, but he did not speak veryconfidently.
"If it be so, it is all I ask. But tell me, father, did you marry forlove?"
Mr. Kent hesitated.
"I am too old for that, Jasper," he answered, pleasantly. "The fact is,I need a nurse and Miss Thorne needed a home; and, in fact, withoutpretending to any sentimental reason, we concluded that it would be thebest thing under the circumstances."
"Was she very much surprised when you made the proposal, father?" askedJasper, significantly.
"No, I can't say she was," answered his father, embarrassed.
"It is as I thought," Jasper said to himself; "she inveigled my fatherinto the marriage."
He said aloud:
"Well, father, I heartily hope it will be for your happiness; and nowlet us talk about something else. Shall I tell you about the school?"
"Yes, Jasper."
So Jasper gossiped about school matters in a way that interested hisfather, and the two forgot for a time that a new tie had been formedthat might possibly make a difference between them.
Meanwhile Mrs. Kent, instead of giving directions about Jasper's room,opened her writing-desk and wrote a hurried note to Nicholas. In thisshe said:
"Remember, Nicholas, you are to pass for my nephew. Why were you so imprudent as to tell Jasper I was your mother? I have explained that you regard me as a mother, though really my nephew. You must give the same explanation. Jasper is at home now, not very well pleased to find that he has a step-mother. But it is done, and he will find it can't be undone. Be prudent, follow my directions implicitly, and you will find it to your account.
/>
"Your devoted aunt,
"Matilda Thorne Kent.
"P.S.--I have told Mr. Kent about you, and he authorizes me to invite you here to spend the next vacation."
CHAPTER VII.
NEW RELATIONS.
Jasper remained till the next afternoon. His father urged him to staylonger, and his step-mother, with apparent cordiality, seconded theinvitation; but Jasper felt that the charm of home was gone. The newwife had stepped in between his father and himself. He felt sure thatthe marriage had not been of his father's seeking. To him it was noobject. To the former governess it was a matter of importance, since itsecured her a permanent home and position, and a share of Mr. Kent'sproperty.
There was an old servant in the family, a trusty maid, who had been init before Jasper was born. With her he could speak confidentially.
"Tell me, Margaret," he asked, "how came my father to marry MissThorne?"
Margaret went to the door and looked out cautiously, then closed it.
"I don't want her to hear what I say," she commenced, when convincedthat they were in no danger of listeners, "but it's my belief she askedyour father to marry her."
"Do you really believe that, Margaret?"
"Yes, I do, Master Jasper. She's that bold she wouldn't mind it, not abit. Only she'd do it sly-like. I know just how she'd do it. She'd tellhim how she hadn't got a home, and must go out into the wide world, andget him to pity her. Then, you know, he'd got used to seeing her round,and a sick man don't like changes."