"No, certainly not. I am going to pretend friendship, and having put him off his guard, to get rid of his claim as well as I can. The property I will never surrender, as long as there is a possibility of retaining it," he concluded, firmly. "I agree with you there, father. So you have invited him to stop here?" "Yes, and the better to carry out my designs, I want you to act in a particularly friendly manner." "I will if I can, but I know I shall hate him." "If you dislike him, adopt the course most likely to injure him." "You are right, father. I will follow your advice." "Of course, anything that I communicate to you in this matter must be kept secret for both our sakes. Have I your promise?" "You have." "Then come here." Jasper drew near his father, and the latter spoke in a lower voice. "You are a good rider," he said. "Yes, I can ride as well as any one of my age in the country," said Jasper, proudly. "Good! Gilbert Grey says he can ride also." "I am not afraid of his rivalry." "I am going to send him out to ride with you. You will ride your own horse; he shall ride--Bucephalus." "Bucephalus, father! He is a vicious beast. I wouldn't dare to ride him myself, and I have no doubt I can ride better than he." "I would not trust you on him, Jasper. As for Gilbert, I have no particular reason to feel concerned for his safety." The eyes of the father and son met, and the glance was that of mutual understanding. "Indeed," added Mr. Grey, "if he should be thrown off, and break his neck, I shouldn't particularly mind. It would rid us both of a dangerous enemy." "That's so," said Jasper. "It's a capital idea! When shall we ride?" "To-morrow morning, if it is pleasant. This afternoon you may have the carriage, and drive him round the neighborhood. Be as friendly as you can. Don't let him suspect anything from your manner." "I won't. You can trust me for that, father." "Hush! I hear his steps descending the stairs. I will introduce you." Gilbert, unsuspicious of the wicked plot that had been entered into against him, entered the room at this moment. "Gilbert," said his uncle, graciously, "let me introduce to you my son, Jasper. He must be near your own age. He has promised to do what he can to make your stay pleasant." "I am glad to meet you, Mr. Grey," said Jasper, advancing with a smile, and speaking in a soft voice. "I have scarcely any companions of my own age, and I shall enjoy your society." "Thank you," said Gilbert; "I am much obliged to you for your kind reception. I don't think we shall be strangers long." They talked on various subjects till the bell rang for dinner. No fault could be found with Jasper's manner, which was extremely cordial; yet Gilbert, he could not tell why, was not attracted to his cousin. CHAPTER XXX. DECEITFUL HOSPITALITY.