s of my own
age, and I shall enjoy your society."

"Thank you," said Gilbert; "I am much obliged to you for your kind
reception. I don't think we shall be strangers long."

They talked on various subjects till the bell rang for dinner. No fault
could be found with Jasper's manner, which was extremely cordial; yet
Gilbert, he could not tell why, was not attracted to his cousin.

CHAPTER XXX.

DECEITFUL HOSPITALITY.

Jasper was now thoroughly enlisted in his father's plans. Almost any
boy of his age would have shuddered at the prospect of a violent death
which, through the united agency of his father and himself, impended
over his young guest. But Jasper was thoroughly selfish, and what his
father had communicated to him had inspired in him a feeling of alarm.
He could not endure the thought of surrendering his inheritance to
Gilbert, and was ready, young as he was, to go to any extremity rather
than to do it.

According to the suggestion his father had made, when dinner was over,
at which both Jasper and his father had exerted themselves to be
particularly agreeable, the former, turning to his cousin, said:

"If you like, I will take you out in the carriage. You might like to
see something of the country round here."

"I should like it very much," said Gilbert, "but I hope you won't put
yourself to too much trouble."

"It will be no trouble. I shall enjoy driving with some one who is new
to the country. It is dull work driving alone."

"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