"For which I don't in the least thank him," said James Grey to himself. There was a little more desultory conversation, which was interrupted by the entrance of Pompey with our hero's carpet-bag, which his fellow-servant had brought from the village hotel, if it deserved the name. "Pompey, you may conduct this young gentleman to his room. He may wish to wash before dinner. Dinner is at one, Mr. Grey." "Thank you, sir." "Put him in the blue room, Pompey." "Yes, sar." Gilbert followed him up stairs, and into a room finished and furnished throughout in blue. It was comfortable, and even elegant, and our hero saw that he was likely to be well cared for. "Was you a 'lation, sar?" asked Pompey, who possessed an inquiring mind, as he put down the bag. "Yes," said Gilbert. "A near 'lation?" asked Pompey, continuing his catechism. "I can't tell you how near," said our hero, in an equivocal manner. "You must be 'bout Massa Jasper's age." "That is what Mr. Grey says. I have not seen Jasper yet." "He went out ridin'. He's fond of ridin'." "Is he a good rider?" "Pretty good, sar. He thinks he's first-rate," added Pompey, laughing. "Do you ride, sar?" "A little." "Maybe you'll ride out with Massa Jasper?" "Has my--Mr. Grey got many horses?" "Four, sar. Two are carriage horses, and two are for ridin'. But I'm 'ruptin' you, sar. Dinner at one o'clock." "I will be punctual." "I like his looks," said Pompey. "He's better-lookin' than Massa Jasper. Looks like he was better-tempered, too." CHAPTER XXIX. GILBERT AND JASPER. Gilbert went to the window and looked out. He was glad to find that it afforded him a prospect of the Mississippi, a mile distant. He could not help speculating on the singular position in which he found himself placed. He had come to this place expecting to receive abuse and defiance from his uncle. On the other hand he had been politely welcomed, and was now a guest. He didn't understand it, but he was glad of it. He was prepared to contend, but he would much prefer to compromise in a friendly manner. His uncle had wronged him, but he was not vindictive. Meanwhile Jasper, who had been out to the stables, returned to the house and entered his father's presence. He only came in for something he had left in the library, but his father detained him. "Stop a minute, Jasper," he said. "I want to speak to you." Jasper turned unwillingly, for he anticipated some remonstrance or criticism upon his conduct. "I wanted to go out," he said. "I wish to speak to you on a matter of importance," said his father, seriously. "Now for a blowing up," thought Jasper. "I suppose I must grin and bear it." But this time he was mistaken. "You are going to have company for a few days," said James Grey. "Who is it?" asked Jasper, in surprise. "A boy of about your own age. He is up stairs preparing for dinner at this moment." "Is it any one I know?" "It is not." "What is his name?" "He calls himself Gilbert Grey."