rd
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 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?" Jasper drew himself up with an
offended manner.

"No, Mr. Jasper. I have no such intention. All I purpose is, to
ascertain how far certain information 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!"

Claire was startled at the effect produced by his mention of the name
of Martin. Jasper, on hearing this name, believed that every thing had
been divulged, and, in the bitterness and despair of this conviction,
threw off all concealment. His countenance, which had partly gained
its usual colour, became 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.

How 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.

"Edward," said Jasper, as soon as he had sufficient composure of mind
to think somewhat clearly 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 wringing 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 replied.

"I 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 bri