112 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

present case, he could count nothing on the influence
of Jasper. But, how could he compromise ? There
was but one way—to give up Fanny—and that he
was not prepared to do.

Seeing that the young man remained silent, Jas-

er said—

«Edward, I will make you this very liberal offer.
Understand, now, that I am deeply in earnest—
that the possession of Fanny isa thing of great mo-
ment to me; and that to gain this desired object, I
am prepared to go very far. If you will meet me
in a spirit of compromise, I will become as I was
' gome years ago, your friend; and I have the ability
to aid any one materially. As just said, I will make

ou this liberal offer :—Let me have the child now,
and for the next two years I will pay you the same
that you have been receiving for her maintenance.’

Claire lifted his head quickly. There was already
a flush on his cheeks and a sharp light in his eyes.

‘“‘Stay—one moment,” interrupted Jasper, who
saw by the motion of his lips that he was about re-
plying. ‘I will pay you the whole sum, six hun-
dred dollars, in advance, and, in addition thereto,
pledge myself to procure for you, within three
months, a situation worth a thousand dollars per
annum, at least.’’

This was too broad an attempt to buy over the
young man, and it failed. Starting to his feet, with
a feeling of indignation in his heart so strong that
he could not repress it, he answered, with knit brows
and eyes fixed sternly and steadily on the merchant—

“ Tjeonard Jasper! I thought you knew me better!
I am not to be bought with your money.”