"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 his father'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 what Jasper meant.
"Are you married—to her?" pointing to Mrs. Kent, who looked indignant at the reference.
"Yes, Jasper," answered his father, nervously. "Shake hands with your—with Mrs. Kent."
He was about to say "your mother," but something in his memory, perhaps something 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.