WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 109

 

“Edward: I believe I must confess to having
been a little over-excited at our last interview. The
fact is, I had forgotten all about that contract;
and when you brought it to my mind so abruptly,
I was thrown somewhat off of my guard, and said
things for which I have since felt regret. So |
let what is past go. I now wish to have another
talk with you about Fanny Elder. How is the
child ?”’

“‘ She is very well.”

‘And she has grown, I presume, finely ?”

“Yes. She’s now quite a stout girl.”’

“What kind of a child is she? Docile and obe-
dient ?”’

‘None could be more so. A sweeter disposition
I have never seen.”

‘How are you getting on now, Edward?” Mr.
Jasper’s voice was kind and insinuating.

“‘ Comfortably,”’ was answered.

“What is your salary?”

There was a momentary hesitation on the part of
Claire, and then he replied—

“Five hundred dollars.”

“Ts that all? Iwas under the impression that
you received a thousand. I am very certain that
some onetoldmeso. Too little, Edward—too little.
You are worth more than that to any one. Are
you acquainted at Edgar & Co.’s?”

“No.”

““T wish you were. One of their young men is
going to leave, and they will have to fill his place
immediately. The salary is twelve hundred.”

Claire’s heart gave a — bound.

1