Jasper ground his teeth in anger.

By this time, Claire had become entirely self-possessed. He was both
surprised and troubled; yet concealed, as far as possible, the real
state of his feelings.

"So far as Mr. Melleville is concerned," said he, "I wish you to
understand, that I applied to _him_ for the situation."

"Exactly! That is in agreement with what I heard. I was such a rogue
that you could not live with me and keep a clear conscience--so you
sought for a place with an honest man."

Claire dropped his eyes to the floor, and stood musing for some
considerable time. When he raised them, he looked steadily at his
employer and said--

"Mr. Jasper, I never made use of the words you have repeated."

"If not the very words, those of a like signification?"

"To whom? There is no need of concealment, Mr. Jasper." Claire was
feeling less and less anxious for the result of this conference every
moment. "Speak out freely, and you will find me ready to do the
same. There had been some underhand work here--or some betrayal of an
ill-advised confidence. The former, I am most ready to believe. In a
word, sir, and to bring this at once to an issue--your informant in
this matter is Henry Parker, who lives with Mr. Melleville."

The change instantly perceptible in the manner of Jasper showed that
Edward's suspicion was right. He had, all at once, remembered that,
during his conversation with Melleville, this young man was near.

"I see how it is," he continued. "An eavesdropper has reported, with
his own comments and exaggerations, a strictly confidential interview.
Such being the case, I will state the plain truth of the matter. Are
you prepared to hear it?"

"Oh, certainly," replied Jasper, with a covert sneer in his voice.
"I'm prepared to hear any thing."

"Very well. What I have to say is now wrung from me. I did not wish to
leave you in anger. I did not wish to draw upon me your ill-will. But,
what is unavoidable must be borne. It is true, Mr. Jasper, as you
have been informed, that I am not satisfied with your way of doing
business."

"How long since, pray?" asked Jasper, with ill-disguised contempt.

"I did not like it in the beginning, but gradually suffered myself to
think that all was fair in trade, until I found I was no better than a
common cheat! Happily, I have been able to make a sudden pause in the
way I was going. From this time, I will serve no man who expects me to
overreach a customer in dealin