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Page 32
"Four hundred dollars!" Jasper said this in unfeigned surprise.
"Yes, sir; that is all he can afford to pay, and of course all I will
receive."
"And I offered you six hundred and fifty."
"True."
"Edward, you are the most consummate fool I ever heard of."
"Time will show that," was the undisturbed reply. "I have made my
election thoughtfully, and am prepared to meet the result."
"You'll repent of this; mark my word for it."
"I may regret your ill-will, Mr. Jasper; but never repent this step.
I'm only thankful that I possessed sufficient resolution to take it."
"When are you going?"
"Not before the end of this month, unless you wish it otherwise. I
would like to give you full time to supply my place."
"You can go at once, if it so please you. In fact, after what has just
passed, I don't see how you can remain, or I tolerate your presence."
"I am ready for this, Mr. Jasper," coolly replied the young man.
"How much is due you?" was inquired, after a brief silence.
"Twenty-five dollars, I believe," answered Claire.
Jasper threw open a ledger that lay on the desk, and, turning to the
young man's account, ran his eyes up the two columns of figures, and
then struck a balance.
"Just twenty-seven dollars," said he, after a second examination of
the figures. "And here's the money," he added, as he took some bills
from the desk and counted out the sum just mentioned. "Now sign me a
receipt in full to date, and that ends the matter."
The receipt was promptly signed.
"And now," sneered Jasper, bowing with mock deference, "I wish you
joy of your better place. You will, in all probability, hear from me
again. I haven't much faith in your over-righteous people; and will
do myself the justice to make some very careful examinations into your
doings since you entered my service. If all is right, well; if not, it
won't be good for you. I'm not the man to forgive ingratitude, injury,
and insult--of all three of which you have been guilty."
"We will not bandy words on that subject, Mr. Jasper," said Claire--"I
simply deny that I have been guilty of either of the faults you
allege. As for an investigation into my business conduct, that you can
do as early and as thoroughly as you please. I shall feel no anxiety
for the result."
Jasper did not reply. For a few moments the young man stood as if
expecting some remark; none being made, he turned away, gathered
together a few articles that were his own private property, tied
them into a bundle and marked his name thereon. Then bowing to the
merchant, he retired--oppressed from recent painful excitement, yet
glad, in his inmost feelings, that a connection so dangerous as that
with Jasper had been dissolved--dissolved even at the cost of making
an enemy.
CHAPTER IX.
As no event of particularly marked interest occurred with those whose
histories we are writing, during the next few years, we will pass over
that time without a record. Some changes of more or less importance
have taken place, in the natural progress of things; but these will
become apparent as we pursue the narrative.
A dull, damp November day was losing itself in the sombre twilight,
when Edward Claire left the store of Mr. Melleville, and took his
way homeward. An errand for his wife led him past his old place of
business. As he moved along the street, opposite, he noticed a new
sign over the door, the large gilt letters of which were strongly
reflected in the light of a gas-lamp. It bore the words, JASPER &
PARKER.
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