When he heard that Jasper had got back he took pains to meet him.
"Well, Kent," he said, with a show of intimacy which Jasper found very disagreeable, "what news from home?"
Jasper was about to reply abruptly, when it occurred to him that, after all, Nicholas had an interest in the matter.
"I suppose you mean to ask if your mother is well?" he said, eyeing Jasper keenly.
But Nicholas was on his guard. His mother's letter had cautioned him.
"No, I don't," he answered, impudently. "She is your mother, not mine."
"My mother!" exclaimed Jasper, coloring.
"Yes, she's your father's wife, isn't she?" said Thorne, with a leer.
"Yes, but I acknowledge no such relationship as you suggest."
"She's your step-mother, whatever you say."