"Stop a minute, Gerald, I have something to say to you."

 

Mrs. Lane was a thin woman, rather above the usual height, with a prominent nose and thin lips. It was easy to see that she was not Gerald's mother. He was a strong, well-made boy, with red cheeks and a pleasant face, but his expression at this moment was grave and sad.

 

He paused and looked inquiringly at his stepmother.

 

"Sit down," she said, "I have considerable to say to you."

 

Gerald drew a chair from the table and seated himself.

 

"Your father's sad death," began Mrs. Lane, "will, of course, make a difference in the family arrangements."

 

"It makes a great difference to me," said Gerald, bitterly. "I am disinherited and I have no prospects¹."

 

"Ahem! I hope you don't reproach your father so soon after his death. It is unbecoming to say the least."

 

"I don't reproach him, but I can't understand why he should leave all his property to you, and nothing to me."

 

"That statement is misleading."

 

"Isn't it true?"

 

"Yes, he has shown his confidence in me sufficiently² to leave the property in my hands, but he commends you to my care. Therefore, you cannot be said to be disinherited."

 

"I am left dependent upon you," said Gerald, with a tinge³ of bitterness in his voice.

 

"So you were dependent upon him."

 

"That was different. He was my father."

 

"And I am your mother."

 

"My stepmother."

 

"At any rate, I was your father's wife, and I am ready to do my duty by you. I have been carefully considering what was my duty, and I have asked you to stop after breakfast in order to talk over my plans for you."

 

"I am listening."

 

"I think I shall withdraw you from the academy, as under present circumstances it would be impossible to send you to college, and you already have a good education."

分享到：