86 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

sign me a receipt in full to date, and that ends the
matter.”

The receipt was promptly signed.

“And now,” sneered Jasper, bowing with mock
deference, “I wish you Joy of your better place.
You will, in all probability, hear from me again.
I haven’t much faith in your over-righteous people ;
and will do myself the justice to make some very
careful examinations into your doings since you en-
tered my service. If all is right, well; if not, it
won't be good for you. I’m not the man to forgive
ingratitude, injury, and insult—of all three of which

ou have been guilty.”

“We will not bandy words on that subject,
Mr. Jasper,” said Claire—I simply deny that I
have been guilty of either of the faults you al-
lece. As for an investigation into my business
conduct, that you can do as early and as thoroughly
as you please. I shall feel no anxiety for the
result.”

Jasper did not reply. For a few moments the
young man stood as if expecting some remark 5
none being made, he turned away, gathered to-

ether a few articles that were his own private pro-
perty, tied them ‘nto a bundle and marked his name
thereon. Then bowing to the merchant, he retired
—oppressed from recent painful excitement, yet
glad, in his inmost feelings, that a connection 80
dangerous as that with Jasper had been dissolved—
- gissolved even at the cost of making an enemy.