"I wonder where Jasper is?" said Nicholas, about eight o'clock, as he sat opposite the little table where his mother was sewing.
"Gone out, I suppose," said Mrs. Kent.
"He found the house too hot to hold him," suggested Thorne.
"He certainly will if he conducts himself in the future as he has already done. He makes a mistake if he thinks I will tolerate such conduct."
"It's because you're a woman," said her son. "Boys of his age don't make much account of women."
"Do you speak for yourself as well as for him?" asked Mrs. Kent, sharply.
"Of course not," said Nicholas, whose interest it was to keep on good terms with his mother. "Of course not; besides, you are my mother."
"You are much more of a gentleman than Jasper is," said his mother, appeased.
"I hope so," said Nicholas.
"As for him, I consider him a young ruffian."