That is to say, he judged Herbert to be as mean and mercenary as himself.
Herbert's position was too humble to entitle him to much notice from Mark, but the latter was pleased with the prospect of detaching from Frank his favorite friend.
"You came back rather late, Mark," said Herbert.
"Yes," answered Mark, with an air of importance.

"I remained at home a short time, to help my father in his accounts.

You know the property is large, and there is a good deal to do." "I should think that was Frank's place, to help about the accounts." "Why ?" "The property is his, of course!" "Did he tell you that ?" asked Mark, sharply.
"He has not said a word about the property." "No, I suppose not," said Mark, with a sneering laugh.
"Has anything happened?
Didn't his mother leave as much as was expected ?" went on Herbert, quite in the dark.
"Yes, she left a large estate, but she didn't leave it to him." "To whom, then ?" "To my father!" replied Mark, with conscious pride.

"Frank has nothing.
He is entirely dependent upon father." "Did his mother leave him nothing, then ?" asked Herbert, in pained surprise.
"Nothing at all," assured Mark, complacently.
"That is very strange and unjust." "I don't look upon it in that light," said Mark, nettled.

"My father knows what is best for him.