An hour later Jasper, having obtained special permission from Dr.
Benton, was on his way home, sick with apprehension lest this threatened
misfortune should prove real.

CHAPTER V.

JASPER'S RETURN HOME.

His father married again, and he left in ignorance of his intention!
Jasper felt hurt that his father, for whom he cherished so deep and warm
an affection, should have taken such a step without apprising him of it
in advance. If he was to marry, certainly his only son ought to have
been present at the wedding.

"But it isn't father's fault," he thought, bitterly. "It's the fault of
Miss Thorne. She is more artful and designing even than I thought. She
has married my father for his wealth and position, and she was afraid I
would dissuade him from such a step."

It was certainly a bitter thought that he must look upon this woman as
his step-mother--that she was to take the place of the mother whom he
tenderly remembered, though six years had passed since she left him.
But, after all, was it true? Might it not be the case that Thorne, who
evidently disliked him, had fabricated the story in order to annoy him?
There was a gleam of comfort in this, and he felt that he would
willingly run the risk of being laughed at for having started on a
"wild-goose chase" if only his fears could be relieved. But, after all,
there was the possibility--nay, the probability, considering what he
knew of Miss Thorne--that Thorne's story was all true.

The cars stopped for a brief minute at the depot in Morton, Jasper's
destination, and he jumped out. He looked eagerly about him to see if
there was anyone of whom he could ask information. To his joy he caught
sight of John, a serving-man in his father's employ.

"Halloo, John!" he cried, "give me a hand with my valise!"

"Why, Master Jasper!" returned John, in evident surprise, "I didn't know
you were coming home."

"I am not expected," said Jasper. "I came at a moment's notice."

"You're too late for the wedding, Master Jasper."

"For the wedding!" repeated Jasper, his heart sinking at this
confirmation of his worst fears.

"Yes; didn't you know of it?"

"I heard something, but not much. Tell me about it. When did it take
place?"

"At ten o'clock this morning."

"At the house?"

"No; your father and the governess walked over to the church, and were
married private like. There was nobody invited, but we were all
surprised that you didn't come to it."

"I knew not