"Then you don't think you can stay, Jasper?" said Mrs. Kent, softly, when he announced his determination.
"No, madam, I think I ought to be getting back to school."
"Perhaps you are right. We shall miss you."
"Yes, Jasper, we shall miss you," said his father.
"I will write you often, father. If you are not feeling well at any time, write and let me know."
"I will do so, Jasper," said his step-mother, promptly; "but I shall have better news to write. Your father shall have the best of care."
"Thank you, madam. If you can contribute to his comfort, you will place me under obligations to you."
"As a wife, it will be my duty as well as my pleasure to do so," said Mrs. Kent.
Jasper bowed. The suggestion of the relationship always fell unpleasantly on his ears.
The carriage came round to take Jasper to the depot. His father and step-mother looked out of the front windows, and saw him off.