"Probably not much."
That Walter listened with mortification and disgust to what Joshua had told him about his father's selfish designs, is only what might be expected. It is always disagreeable to find out the meanness of those whom you have supposed kind to you for your own sake. This, to Walter, who had been accustomed to an atmosphere of kindness, was a painful discovery. It was his first experience of the coldness and hollowness of the world, and to the sensitive nature of youth this first revelation is very painful and very bitter.
"I am sorry to think that your father made such a mistake," he said, coldly. "I will take care to undeceive him."
"What! You're not going to tell him, are you?"
"Certainly. I meant to do so; but I did not suppose he invited me just because he thought I was rich."
"What for, then?"
"Being my father's cousin and nearest relation, it didn't seem very strange that he should have invited me on that account."
"The old man's a shrewd one," said Joshua, rather admiringly. "He knows which way his bread is buttered. He don't lay himself out for no poor relations, not if he knows it."
"I am sorry if he has laid himself out for me under a mistake."
"I aint. It's a good joke on the old man. Besides, we all got a better supper by it. Don't you tell him about it till to-morrow."