Now that Mr. Grey offered no further opposition, there was no further cause of delay. An hour later, Gilbert had in his possession the legal document which restored him to his rights, and made him a rich man.
His uncle received in exchange a paper, assuring to him the provision which Gilbert had generously made. Armed with this, he went home without seeing his nephew.
He was ashamed to face the lad whom he had so basely defrauded, and still more basely sought to slay.
When Jasper, to whom he had said nothing of the motive of his journey, met him, he at once detected the trouble in his father's manner.
"What is the matter, father?" he inquired.
"All is lost, Jasper," said his father.
"What do you mean?"
"Gilbert has triumphed, and I am a comparative beggar."
"Then what is to become of me?" demanded Jasper, thunder-struck.
"Always yourself!" repeated his father, bitterly. "You have no feeling for me. All your anxiety is for yourself."