"I wish he'd leave you the whole, and cut off that upstart Jasper," said Nicholas, frowning.
"There is not much chance of that. He thinks everything of Jasper. However, I don't think he'll live long, and I shall induce him, if possible, to name me as Jasper's guardian."
"That would be a good job for you, mother—not so good for Jasper, I'm thinking."
"You are right, Nicholas. Did you say you disliked him?"
"Yes, I hate him."
"So do I," said his mother in a low tone, but one of intense energy.
"Why?" asked Thorne, in some curiosity.
"I'll tell you. From my entrance into his father's family he has never treated me with any cordiality. Evidently he didn't like me. I think, indeed, he mistrusted me, though I never gave occasion for any suspicions. If he should learn now that I am to marry his father, he would move heaven and earth to prevent the marriage."
"Has he been home much since you were in the house?"
"No; he was at school elsewhere, and was only at home during his vacations."