202 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

worth one-half of what I received for that pro-
perty.”

Jasper ceased speaking ; but astonishment kept
Claire silent.

“And now, Edward,’ resumed the former, “I
am ready to make restitution as far as in my power
lies. You can drag me into court, and thus blast
my reputation ; or, you can obtain for Miss Elder
as much, or even more, than you would probably
get by law—for, if driven into the- courts, I will
contend to the last moment—through an amicable
arrangement. Which course are you disposed to
take ?”’

‘J have no desire to harm you, Mr. Jasper—none
in the world. If the terms of settlement which you
may offer are such as, under all the circumstances,
I feel justified in accepting, 1 will meet your wishes.
But you must bear in mind that, in this’ matter, 1
am not acting for myself.”

“J know—but your judgment of the case must
determine.”

“ Tyue—and in that judgment I will endeavour
to hold an equal balance.”

The two men now retired from the lawyer’s office ;
and, ere parting, arranged a meeting for that even-
ing at the store of Jasper, where they could be en-
tirely alone. For two or three successive evenings
these conferences were continued, until Claire was
entirely satisfied that the merchant’s final offer to
transfer to the possession of Fanny Elder four
houses, valued at five thousand dollars each, in full
settlement of her father’s estate, was the very best