"It would have done no good," said she, coldly.
"But it would have been a satisfaction to me to see something of him in his last sickness. Mrs. Kent, you haven't treated me right in this matter."
"Is that the way for a boy to talk to his—elder?"
"Yes, if he says only what is strictly true."
"I shall not continue this conversation," said Mrs. Kent, haughtily, "nor shall I submit to be talked to in this style. It is not for your interest to make me your enemy," she added, significantly.
Jasper was frank and fearless by temperament, and anything in the shape of a menace roused his high spirit.
"That consideration doesn't weigh with me a particle," he said, hastily.
"We will see," she retorted, and with a look of anger she swept from the room.
"Margaret," said Jasper, abruptly, "did you go into my father's sick-chamber at any time?"
"Yes, Master Jasper."