WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 137

 

“T have not said so, Edward. My mind is far
from clear. Jasper may not, now, want the trouble
of Fanny. He doubtless had some purpose to
subserve when he demanded her ; a purpose gained,
probably, at the time of her mysterious removal
from the city, which I have always believed was
through his agency. If you were to send for the
money, as usual, it is more than probable that he
would pay it.”

“But, if he should refuse, and demand the
child ?”’

“Tf his purpose to do this remains, and he has
forgotten Fanny’s age, your omission to send for
the money will be more likely to call his thought to
the subject, than your regular demand for the price
of her maintenance.”’

“True.”

‘And if he still means to have her, the execu-
tion of his purpose cannot in any event be long
delayed.”

No.”

“Can we unaided give her the education she is
entitled to receive ?”

Claire shook his head.

“Then had ‘we not better continue to apply for
the sum necessary to her support and education. If
Mr. Jasper is indifferent about her, the money will
be paid as usual; if he means to take her into his
own family, our failure to apply will defer but for
a very short season the evil day.”’

Edith’s mind had become clear by this time. Her
husband not making an immediate reply, she
added—

12*