166 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

which common report has affixed considerable value,
exhausted, or’’

‘“‘T have refused to pay Azém any further sums,”
said Jasper, in a quick, excited voice, interrupting
Mr. Melleville. ‘Our contract, regularly entered
into, has expired by limitation. He was to have
the care of her only until she reached her twelfth
year. Of this fact he is clearly advised, and I
wonder at his pertinacity in endeavouring to retain
the child, when he knows that I, her guardian, wish
to have her in my own possession.” |

‘He has had her ever since she was a little
child; and both he and his wife are now strongly
attached to her. In fact, she regards them as
her parents ; and their affection for her is not ex-
ceeded by their affection for their own children.
To separate them would be exceedingly painful to
all parties. As for the child, it would make her
very unhappy.”

“T can’t help that, Mr. Melleville.” Jasper spoke
coldly.

‘¢ Under all the circumstances,” said Mr. Melle-
ville, after a pause, speaking slowly, and with con-
siderable emphasis in his words, “it is my opi-
nion that you had better let the child remain where
she is.”

“Why do you say so?” Jasper spoke with ill-
concealed surprise ; and the uneasy, suspicious man-
ner, at first exhibited, returned.

“Claire regards the child as his own; and must
so continue to regard her, even though taken out of
his hands.”

‘¢ Well, what of that ?”