"I will go with pleasure, then, and thank you for the offer."
James Grey listened with complacent approval.
"Really," he thought, "I didn't imagine Jasper could be so polite and agreeable. He doesn't often show these qualities in his intercourse with me."
When Gilbert went up to prepare for the excursion, Jasper lingered behind.
"If I am going to do the agreeable to your company, father," he said, "I shall need some money. I am cleaned out."
Without a word of remonstrance his father drew thirty dollars from his pocket-book, and placed the money in his son's hands.
"Do it up handsomely, Jasper," he said. "Don't be unnecessarily extravagant, of course, but spend your money like a gentleman."
"Yes, father," answered Jasper, as his fingers closed with satisfaction upon the bills.
The carriage drove up to the door, and the two young men entered. During the drive that ensued, Jasper showed himself very social and communicative. He was unwearied in pointing out objects of interest, and, in fact, by his easy and genial manners almost conquered the antipathy which Gilbert secretly felt.
"I wonder," he said, at length, leaning back in the carriage and surveying Gilbert with curiosity, "I wonder you never visited us before."