WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 199

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have spoken in a tone that implies a belief on your
part that I have not acted fairly in the matter of
this guardianship.”

“ Such, at least, is my impression,” replied Claire,
firmly.

« Have you come here to insult me, sir?” Jas-
per drew himself up with an offended manner.

“No, Mr. Jasper. I have no such intention.
All I purpose is, to ascertain how far certain in-
formation received by me this morning is correct.”

“What information ?”

The merchant became a good deal agitated.

«A man named Martin called on me”

“Martin! oh, the wretch! My curses rest on
him, for a base betrayer I”?

Claire was startled at the effect produced by his
mention of the name of Martin. Jasper, on hear-
ing this name, believed that every thing had been
divulged, and, in the bitterness and despair of this
conviction, threw off all concealment. His counte-
nance, which had partly gained its usual colour, be-
came pallid again, while large beads of sweat oozed
from the relaxed pores and stood upon his forehead.
Moving back a step or two, he sank into a chair,
and averting his face, sat struggling with himself to
regain the mastery over his feelings.

Low changed, in a few brief years, had become
the relation of these two men. ‘The poor, humble,
despised, but honest clerk, now stood erect, while
the merchant cowered before him in humiliation
and fear.

“ Rdward,” said Jasper, as soon as he had suffi-
cient composure of mind to think somewhat clearly