WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 129

 

Leonard Jasper. Ah! is he not preparing for him-
self a sad future? As for me, I am more and
more satisfied, every day, that all events, even to
the most minute, are in the direction or permis-
sion of Providence; and that out of the very oc-
currences we deem afflictive and disastrous, will
often arise our greatest good. For the moment I
was disappointed; but now I feel that it is all
right.”

No change of marked importance occurred in
the family of Claire during the next two years, to
the close of which period both he and his wife
looked with increasing earnestness of mind. Fanny
had grown rapidly during this time, and was now
tall for her age—and still very beautiful. In cha-
racter she was every thing the fondest parents could
desire.

At last came the child’s twelfth birthday. Nei-
ther Clare nor his wife referred to the fact ; though
it was present to both their minds—present like ans
evil guest. Must they now give her up? Their
hearts shrank and trembled at the bare idea. How
plainly each read in the other’s face the trouble
which only the lips concealed!

Never had Fanny looked so lovely in the eyes of
Claire as she did on that morning, when she bound-
ed to his side and claimed a parting kiss, ere he left
for his daily round of business. Could he give her
up? The thought choked in their utterance the
words of love that were on his lips, and he turned
from her and left the house.

As Claire, on his way to Mr. Melleville’s store,
came into the more business portions of the city, his