"He calls himself Gilbert Grey."
"Is he any relation?"
"He calls himself your cousin."
"Why do you say 'calls himself?'" inquired Jasper, in some mystification.
"Because I do not propose to admit his claim. While he is here, he will pass as a distant relative."
"I don't understand, father. Is his claim a false one?"
"Listen, Jasper, for it is fitting that you should know all, since you are quite as much interested as I am. Do you remember your Uncle John?"
"No. I was too young when he died to remember him."
"It was he that was wealthy, not I. I had a comparatively small interest in the firm, but as he died childless I succeeded naturally to his property. That made me rich, and ever since I have been possessed of large means. But if he had left a son, all this would have been changed. The son would have inherited the bulk of his property, and I should have received an inconsiderable legacy. Do you follow me?"
"Yes, sir, but I don't see the force of it. My uncle left no son."