a restraint upon him.

He didn't like to ask his father any question directly as to the
relations between them. He hoped that at least they did not add to his
father's discomfort.

At the end of the week Jasper was about to return to school.

"How long before you have another vacation, Jasper?" asked his father,
wistfully.

"Eleven weeks, father."

"It seems a long time, Jasper."

"I can come home during that time."

"To my mind such interruptions of study are bad for a boy," said Mrs.
Kent.

"Perhaps they are," assented Mr. Kent, reluctantly.

"I won't let them be an interruption, father," said Jasper. "If you want
me to come home, I will."

"I hope, Jasper, you will understand my motive for speaking," said Mrs.
Kent, softly. "I should really be glad to see you, but sometimes we have
to sacrifice our own inclinations--don't we, Mr. Kent?"

"Yes, my dear," said Mr. Kent, listlessly.

And he turned his eyes once more to Jasper, who had his overcoat on and
was waiting for the carriage to convey him to the depot.

"Do you feel as well as usual, father?" asked Jasper, anxiously.

"Yes, I don't know but I do; perhaps a little more languid, but that is
not unusual."

"Well, good-bye, father. If you want to see me at any time, write a
line, and I'll come at once."

"Thank you, my dear boy. Don't overwork yourself at school."

There was a slight smile on Mrs. Kent's thin lips. Jasper noticed and
mentally resented it. But the time had come for leave-taking, and he
hurried away.

Six weeks passed. Jasper heard from home that his father was about the
same, and this assurance relieved him of anxiety. Still, he made up his
mind that he would spend the next Sunday at home. He would go on
Saturday morning and come back on Monday morning, and he knew that his
father would enjoy even this brief visit. But he was destined to go home
quicker.

On Thursday afternoon a boy came up to the main entrance of Dr. Benton's
school.

"It's the boy from the telegraph office," said Wilder to Jasper.

"I wonder whether he's got a message for the doctor or one of us boys?"
said Jasper, not suspecting that it was for himself.

"I'll ask," said Wilder. "Here, you, boy! who's your telegram for?"

"For Jasper Kent," said the boy. "Will you call him?"

"I am he," said Jasper, hurrying forward, with pale face and beating
heart, for a telegram always inspires fear.

"Then here it is. Just sign the book," said the boy.

Jaspe