102 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

no disposition to renew the conversation, he left
the store, greatly disturbed and troubled in his
mind.

 

CHAPTER XI.

Wuen Edward Claire and his wife drew together
on the evening of that day, after the children were
in bed, both were calmer than at their previous in-
terview on a subject that necessarily brought with
it strong excitement of feeling. Both had thought
much and felt much, and were now prepared to look
calmly at the new relation affairs had so suddenly
assumed. At dinner-time, Edward had related the
substance of his interview with Jasper.

‘“¢ What can he do?’’.asked Edith, referring now
to the muttered threat of that individual.

‘“‘T don’t know that he can do any thing more
than withhold the regular sums heretofore paid for
the support of Fanny. If he does that, I will col-
lect them legally.”

“Can’t he take her away by force? Won't the
law compel us to give her up?” asked Edith, in a
troubled voice. |

“ Our contract gives us a right to her possession
until she is twelve years of age. In that, the law
will undoubtedly sustain us.”’

‘The law is very uncertain, Edward.”

“But our contract is plainly worded, and, in this
State, private written contracts between parties to
an agreement are good in law. At best, however,