200 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

and speak calmly, “‘ What do you purpose doing in
this matter ?”

“What is right, Mr. Jasper,” answered Claire,
firmly. ‘That is my duty.”

«Ruin! ruin! ruin!” exclaimed Jasper, in a low
voice, again losing command of himself, and wring-
ing his hands hopelessly. “ Oh! that it should have
come to this!”

Astonished as Claire was by what he now heard
and saw, he felt the necessity of preserving the
most entire self-possession. When Jasper again put
the question—

‘What do you purpose doing, Edward?” he re-

ied:

‘«T shall be better able to answer that question
when I have all the particulars upon which to make
up a decision. At present, I only know that a
large amount of property has been withheld from
Miss Elder; and that I have only to bring this man
Martin into a court of justice to have every thing
made clear.’

“And this you purpose doing ?’

“J ghall do so, undoubtedly; unless the object to
be gained by such a course 1s secured in another
way.”

‘Quite as much, believe me, Edward, can be
gained through private arrangement as by legal in-
vestigation,” returned Jasper, his manner greatly
subdued. “You and I can settle every thing, L
am sure, between ourselves; and, as far as my
ability will carry me, it shall be to your entire satis-
faction. Ihave greatly mistaken your character,
or you will take no pleasure in destroying me.”

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