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Making His Mark
Making His Mark
CHAPTER I
AN UNPLEASANT TALK
Gerald Lane rose from the breakfast table and was about to leave the room, when his stepmother addressed him:
"Stop a minute, Gerald, I have something to say to you."
Mrs. Lane was a thin woman, rather above the usual height, with a prominent nose and thin lips. It was easy to see that she was not Gerald's mother. He was a strong, well-made boy, with red cheeks and a pleasant face, but his expression at this moment was grave and sad.
He paused and looked inquiringly at his stepmother.
"Sit down," she said, "I have considerable to say to you."
Gerald drew a chair from the table and seated himself.
"Your father's sad death," began Mrs. Lane, "will, of course, make a difference in the family arrangements."
"It makes a great difference to me," said Gerald, bitterly. "I am disinherited and I have no prospects."
"Ahem! I hope you don't reproach your father so soon after his death. It is unbecoming to say the least."
"I don't reproach him, but I can't understand why he should leave all his property to you, and nothing to me."