"No, I can't say she was," answered his father, embarrassed.
"It is as I thought," Jasper said to himself; "she inveigled my father into the marriage."
He said aloud:
"Well, father, I heartily hope it will be for your happiness; and now let us talk about something else. Shall I tell you about the school?"
"Yes, Jasper."
So Jasper gossiped about school matters in a way that interested his father, and the two forgot for a time that a new tie had been formed that might possibly make a difference between them.
Meanwhile Mrs. Kent, instead of giving directions about Jasper's room, opened her writing-desk and wrote a hurried note to Nicholas. In this she said:
"Remember, Nicholas, you are to pass for my nephew. Why were you so imprudent as to tell Jasper I was your mother? I have explained that you regard me as a mother, though really my nephew. You must give the same explanation. Jasper is at home now, not very well pleased to find that he has a step-mother. But it is done, and he will find it can't be undone. Be prudent, follow my directions implicitly, and you will find it to your account.
"Your devoted aunt,
"Matilda Thorne Kent.