"I am afraid, father," said Jasper, sadly, "it will not be the only time that she is destined to come between us."
"No, Jasper," answered his father, with more energy than was usual with him, "that shall not be. I am sure she would not wish it, and I know I wouldn't permit it. I hope, my dear boy, that you will become reconciled to 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 very confidently.
"If it be so, it is all I ask. But tell me, father, did you marry for love?"
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, without pretending to any sentimental reason, we concluded that it would be the best thing under the circumstances."
"Was she very much surprised when you made the proposal, father?" asked Jasper, significantly.