"You probably know nothing of my family," continued James Grey, "though as a possible relation, you should do so. My wife is dead, and I have but one child, a boy of about your own age. Jasper is seventeen." "I am about eighteen." "He does not look at all like you, or me either. He favors his mother's family, being quite dark. I think also he is more like his mother in disposition than like me. I hope you will like him." "I hope so," said our hero, politely. "I can't say he altogether pleases me," said James Grey. "He is not as obedient and observant of my wishes as he should be. For example, he went to Alton yesterday without permission, and lost all his money on hand by gaming. I hope you never gamble, Gilbert." "No, sir, I don't approve of it." "You are quite right. I foresee you will have a good influence on Jasper--I was about to say, on your cousin, Jasper--but I will wait till that is proved." "I will not call him cousin while there remains a doubt." "Quite right. I will give my earliest attention to the matter." "I hope you will, sir, as I wish to return to Cincinnati." "If you prove yourself to be my brother's son, there will be no need of that, for the greater part of my property will go to you. You will be independent." "I should be sorry to deprive you of property, sir, though I have no objection to becoming rich." "Of course not. We all want to be rich. I shall not blame you for being my brother's son, if it appears that you are so. How long can you remain with us?" "I won't set a limit, sir. Do you think I can get away in a week?" "That is a short time." "I can stay longer if necessary." "I may need to go to Alton, to consult my lawyer. After examining this paper, which, I suppose, is an exact copy of the original?" "Yes, sir, exact." "He will give me his opinion, which I will at once communicate to you. Probably it will not be in my power to go to Alton for several days." "I don't wish to hurry you too much, Mr. Grey. That will be satisfactory to me." "Very well. Now there is one other thing I wish to speak of. Of course I can't acknowledge you as my nephew immediately." "I do not ask it, sir." "It will be better that your claim to be my nephew should not be made public. I will tell my son, Jasper, and ask him to treat you as a cousin. He will, I think, be able to make you pass your time agreeably. But to the servants you will be Mr. Grey, a distant relative." "Very well, sir, I agree." "Of course, just as soon as your claim is substantiated, there will be no further need of concealment. By the way, do you ride?" "Yes, sir, a little." "I think you will enjoy exploring the country a little with Jasper. You never were in this neighborhood before?" "No, sir." "It won't do you any harm to have a little vacation. By the way, how is Mr. Ferguson, your employer?" "He is well, sir." "Is he aware of the object of your present journey?" "Yes, sir. He was in favor of my undertaking it."