"Why is he to receive five dollars, if I am only to get three?"
"Because I choose."
"You have answered rightly," said Jasper, scornfully. "Even you are unable to defend it on the score of fairness or justice."
Mrs. Kent's thin lips compressed.
"Audacious boy!" she exclaimed, "do you dare to speak to me in this style?"
"I am not aware of any impropriety, madam. I am protesting against your unjust partiality for Nicholas."
"He is my son."
"I am aware of that; but the money out of which the allowance is paid came to you from my father."
"Do you dare to continue your impertinent remarks?" exclaimed his step-mother, pale with rage.
"Madam, I am only stating the truth," said Jasper, sturdily. "You cannot expect me to submit tamely to such an injustice. Had you reduced my allowance and given Nicholas no more I would have let it pass."