"You must mean Nicholas Thorne."
"Yes; do you know him?"
"A little," said Jasper, with reserve.
"Poor fellow! He has neither father nor mother to look after him, only myself. I am his only relative living."
"I never heard you speak of him before."
"No; I have not cared to intrude my private concerns upon your father or yourself. But I must hurry, or I shall be late at the station. Have you any message to send to your father?"
"Give him my love, and tell him to take care of his health for my sake."
"I hope he will do that for all our sakes," said the lady, with affected warmth. "Good-bye."
"Good-bye."
Jasper Kent looked after her as she walked rapidly away.