WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 131

 

his wife one evening, some three months subsequent
to the twelfth birthday of Fanny, ‘that we have
heard nothing yet from Mr. Jasper.”

Edith looked up quickly, and with a glance of
inquiry, into his face; but made no answer.

“T’ve turned it over in my mind a great deal,”
resumed Claire, thoughtfully; “but with little or
no satisfactory result. Once I thought I would call
on him”

‘Oh, no, no! not for the world!” instantly ex-
claimed Edith.

“T see, with you, dear, that such a step would be
anpeadent. And, yet, this suspense—how painful
it is !”

“Painful, it is true, Edward; yet, how in every
way to be preferred to the certainty we so much
dread.”

“OQ yes—yes. JI agree with youthere.” Then,
after a pause, he said, ‘‘ It is now three months since
the time expired for which we agreed to keep Fanny.’’,

‘“‘T know,” was the sighing response.

They both remained silent, each waiting for the
other to speak. ‘The same thought was in the mind
of each. Excited by the close pressure of wantupon
their income, Edward was first to give it voice.

‘“‘Mr. Jasper,” said he, touching the subject at
first remotely, ‘‘may have forgotten, in the pressure
of business on his attention, the fact that Fanny is
now twelve years old.”

‘So I have thought,” replied Edith.

“Tf I send, as usual, for the sum heretofore regu-
larly paid for her maintenance, it may bring this fact
to his mind.”