WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 97

 

“Mr. Epwarp CLrarre—Sir: From this time I
will relieve you of the burden of my ward, Fanny
Elder. Mrs. Jasper and myself have determined to
take her into our own family, in order that we may
give the needful care to her education. Callaround
and see me to-morrow, and we will arrange this mat-
ter. Yours, Xe. LEONARD JASPER.”

The face of the young man had become pale by
the time he had finished reading this letter; but
that of his wife, who did not yet know a word of its
contents, was almost white—the effect produced on
her husband filling her with a vague alarm.

“What is it, Edward?” she asked, in a low, eager
whisper.

“Jasper wants us to give up Fanny.”

Edith sank into a chair, exclaiming—

“Oh, Edward !”

“ But she is only ten years of age,” said the hus-
band, “and our contract is to keep her until she is
twelve.”

“We cannot give her up,” murmured Edith, tears
already beginning to flow over her cheeks. ‘I ne-
ver thought of this. What can it mean

“Some sudden determination on the part of Jas-
per, and based on nothing good,” was the reply.
“But, as I said, our contract is binding until Fanny
is twelve years of age, and I will never consent to
its being broken. He was over anxious to hold me
in writing. He did not value his own word, and
would not trust mine. It was well. The dear child
shall remain where she is.”

‘But, after she is twelve, Edward? What then?

9