WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 111

 

him, was partially deceived and thrown off of his
guard.

“True; unless you have seen reason by that time,
which we hope will be the case, to let her remain in
her present home. Believe me, Mr. Jasper,’’—Claire
spoke earnestly —“ that Fanny will take the parting
very hard, if ever it comes.”

“ As come it must, Edward, sooner or later,’’ was
the mild, yet firm response. |

“Are you so earnest about this, Mr. Jasper? I
have flattered myself that you did not really care a
great deal about having Fanny.”’

‘“T am entirely in earnest, Edward,” was the re-
ply. ‘I may have seemed to you indifferent about
this child, but such has not been the case. I have
feelings and purposes in regard to her which I can-
not explain, but which are near my heart. I see
your position and that of your wife, and I feel for
you. If compatible with what I conceive to be my
duty, I would let her remain under your care. But
such is not the case. Surely, it will be far better
for both you and Fanny for the change that must
come to be made now.’

The calm, kind, insinuating manner of Jasper
disarmed Claire, and made him wish that he could
meet the desire of his old employer, without the
painful breach in his home circle which must be the
consequence. With his eyes cast upon the floor, he
sat silently communing with his own thoughts for
some time. The announcement of a vacancy in the
house of Edgar & Co., and the offer to try and get
the situation for him, had flattered his mind consi-
derably. If he did not make some compromise in the