198 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

be no one else but the guardian of Fanny; of whose
honesty Claire had, with good reason, no very high
opinion. His conclusion was, not to accept, at pre-
sent, a settlement of the estate.

With an uneasy foreboding of evil—he was, in
fact, rarely now without that feeling—Leonard Jas-
per took his way to the office of Grind. Notwith-
standing he had defied Martin, he yet feared him.
But he was so near to the point of comparative safety,
that he hoped soon to be past all real danger from
this quarter. Too little time had elapsed, since he
parted with him, for Martin to see Claire, even if a
thought of assailing him in that quarter had crossed
his mind. So Jasper believed. How sadly taken
by surprise was he, therefore, when, on meeting
Claire, the latter said—

‘¢ Since I saw you yesterday, a matter has come
to my knowledge which I feel bound to investigate,
before proceeding any farther in this business.”

As if struck by a heavy blow, Jasper moved a pace
or two backward, while an instant pallor overspread
his face. Quickly recovering himself, he said—

“Explain yourself, Edward. What matter has
come to your knowledge?”

“On that subject I would prefer speaking with
you alone,”’ replied Claire.

“This room is at your service,” said Grind, rising
and retiring toward his front office. ‘You will be
altogether free from intrusion.” And he passed out, |
closing the door behind him.

‘‘ Edward,” said Jasper, in as firm a voice as he
could assume, “ What is the meaning of this? You
look at me with an expression of countenance, and