"It will not. I hate the sight of you!" said his step-mother, with energy.
"I am sorry for that, but I am not surprised. From the way you have treated me, I should think so. Won't it be better for as both to be separated?"
"It will gratify your wishes, and therefore I order you to remain here."
"That we may have more such scenes as yesterday and to-day?"
"No; I am determined to break your rebellious will, and teach you to obey me implicitly."
"I have only to ask if you have fully made up your mind," said Jasper, quietly, but with suppressed excitement.
"I mean precisely what I say."
"Then, madam, I shall have to leave this house and go out into the world. I shall find more kindness among strangers than here."
"I have heard boys talk like this before," said Mrs. Kent, with contemptuous incredulity.
"Boys sometimes mean what they say," retorted Jasper.