"Then you have made up your mind to deny me the education my father intended me to enjoy. Will you tell me what plans you have formed for me?"
"I don't like your tone, Gerald; you are too independent and are scarcely respectful. However, I will answer your question. Mr. Tubbs, the grocer, needs a boy to tend in his store and to help keep his books. You have studied book-keeping, I believe?"
"Yes," answered Gerald, eying his stepmother, intently.
"He will take you and pay you three dollars a week. You can stay at home, and I will allow you half your salary, but I shall expect you to buy your own clothing."
"Out of a dollar and a half a week?"
"Yes; I look upon that as a very fair income. One dollar a week will suffice for your clothes, and you will have fifty cents for spending money."
Gerald's face flushed. At this rate he would derive very slight advantage from the handsome property his father left behind him.
"Do you think, Mrs. Lane," he said, "that in making this arrangement you are carrying out my father's wishes?"
"Probably I am as well qualified to judge on that point as you," said Mrs. Lane, stiffly.
"When do you wish me to leave school?" asked Gerald, after a pause.