WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 87

 

CHAPTER IX.

As no event of particularly marked interest oc-
curred with those whose histories we are writing,
during the next few years, we will pass over that
time without a record. Some changes of more or
less importance have taken place, in the natural
progress of things ; but these will become apparent
as we pursue the narrative.

A dull, damp November day was losing itself in
the sombre twilight, when Edward Claire left the
store of Mr. Melleville, and took his way homeward.
An errand for his wife led him past his old place
of business. As he moved along the street, oppo-
site, he noticed a new sign over the door, the large
gilt letters of which were strongly reflected in the
light of a gas-lamp. It bore the words, Jasper &
PARKER.

Involuntarily the young man sighed. If he had
remained with Jasper, there was little doubt but
that his name would have been the one now associ-
ated with his in a copartnership. Parker was the
young man who had betrayed the conversation be-
tween Claire and Mr. Melleville. His end in doing
this was to gain the favour of Jasper, and thus se-
_ cure the place left vacant by the departing clerk.
He had succeeded in his purpose. Jasper offered
him the situation, and he took it. Five years after-
ward, in which time Jasper had made money