"He is a noble, warm-hearted boy," said his father, warmly.
"Yes," said Mrs. Kent, assenting, because it was expected.
"Manly and high-spirited, too!" added his father, in a tone full of affectionate admiration.
"I'd like to break his spirit!" thought Mrs. Kent, spitefully. "Some time I may have the chance." Of course she didn't venture to say this. She only inquired, "Were you like him at his age, Mr. Kent?"
Mr. Kent smiled.
"I won't flatter myself so far," he answered. "Jasper is an improvement on the parent stock. I see in him more manliness and self-reliance than I possessed at his age."
"May it not be parental partiality?" asked Mrs. Kent, who by no means enjoyed hearing Jasper's praises.
"No, I don't think so."
"You must let me believe that it is your modesty then. Jasper may be a fine boy, but he will do well if he grows up as good a man as you."
"Now you flatter me, my dear," said Mr. Kent, smiling. "You have too good an opinion of me."