Frank and Fearless | Page 4

was necessary for me to exert myself, or I should be unable to
educate you as I desired. I had a good education, and I determined to
avail myself of it. I therefore went to a teacher's agency in New York
and set forth my desire to obtain the position of governess in some
family in the country."
"You a governess!"
"Why not? It was the only way I could think of that would yield me an

income. After waiting a few weeks I succeeded. A wealthy gentleman,
living in a country town of moderate size, saw my testimonials, was
pleased with them, and engaged me to superintend the education of an
orphan niece resident in his family. He offered me a fair salary--enough,
added to the rent which I received from the property left me by your
father, to justify me in putting you at this boarding-school. That was
three years ago."
"Why didn't you tell me all this before, mother?"
"It would have done no good. I preferred that you should think of me as
possessing an independent property. I felt that it would enable you the
better to hold up your head among your school-fellows, as they could
know nothing of your antecedents."
"Does Dr. Benton know this?" asked Nicholas, quickly.
"No; he only knows that I am a widow, He supposes that I have
sufficient means."
"I am glad of that."
"Would it make any difference with him?"
"I don't know. Any way, I'd rather he wouldn't know it."
Nicholas Thorne sat by his mother's side thoughtful. He was
disappointed to think that his mother's means were so limited, since it
curtailed his future expectations. The thought of that mother working
patiently to defray his expenses at school made comparatively little
impression. He was essentially selfish, and, so long as his wants were
provided for, he cared little who labored for him.
"You don't ask the name of the man who employs me," said his mother.
Nicholas looked up.
"I suppose it is nobody I ever heard of," he said.

"No, you never heard of him, but you know some one connected with
him."
"What do you mean?" asked the boy, his curiosity aroused.
"The gentleman who employs me is father of one of your schoolmates."
"Father of one of my school-mates?"
"Yes."
"Who is it? Why don't you tell me, mother?"
"You have spoken of him to me this morning. It is Jasper Kent."
"You work for Jasper Kent's father!" exclaimed Nicholas in unbounded
astonishment. "Does he know it?"
"Yes, he knows that I am, or have been, governess in his father's family.
But he knows nothing of my connection with you."
"If he knew, he'd taunt me with my mother's being obliged to work for
a living," said Thorne.
"I don't think he would. At any rate, the time is coming very soon when
he will have no advantage over you."
"How do you make that out, mother?"
"Listen, and keep secret what I tell you. Next week I become his
father's wife."
"You marry Jasper Kent's father!"
"Yes; I shall be Jasper's step-mother."
"Is old Kent rich?" asked Nicholas, eagerly.
His mother nodded.

"Yes, he is rich; that is, for the country. He is in poor health, too," she
added, significantly.
"Good!" said Nicholas, with satisfaction. "You know how to play your
cards, mother."
The mother smiled.
"My days of dependence are drawing to an end," she said. "Some time I
can do better for you than I am doing now."
CHAPTER III.
JASPER RECOGNIZES THE VISITOR.
"Will the old man do anything for me after he marries you, mother?"
asked Nicholas, who never failed to look out for his own interests.
"He doesn't know you are in existence, Nicholas."
"Did you never speak to him of me?"
"No; I didn't dare to tell him."
"Why not?"
"It might prevent his marrying me."
"It seems to me," grumbled Nicholas, "you only thought of yourself.
You didn't care what became of me."
"That is unjust, Nicholas. You must see that it is. Once we are married I
shall have more control of money, and if Mr. Kent dies I shall be
entitled to a third of his property."
"I wish he'd leave you the whole, and cut off that upstart Jasper," said
Nicholas, frowning.
"There is not much chance of that. He thinks everything of Jasper.

However, I don't think he'll live long, and I shall induce him, if possible,
to name me as Jasper's guardian."
"That would be a good job for you, mother--not so good for Jasper, I'm
thinking."
"You are right, Nicholas. Did you say you disliked him?"
"Yes, I hate him."
"So do I," said his mother in a low tone, but one of intense energy.
"Why?" asked Thorne, in some curiosity.
"I'll tell