|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 38
Jasper seemed thrown aback by this. He had not forgotten the contract,
for all his affected ignorance thereof. He only hoped that Edward had,
through carelessness, lost his copy. But he was mistaken.
"A contract! A contract?" said Jasper, as if communing with his own
thoughts. "I do remember, now, something of the kind. And so there was
a written contract?"
"Yes, sir; and I have a copy in your own hand."
"And I am to understand, Edward, that notwithstanding my wish, as
the child's legal guardian, and, therefore, the representative of
her parents, to have her in my own family, that you will interpose a
hasty-signed contract?"
"Mr. Jasper," said the young man, changing his manner, "we have had
this child in our family for over five years, and have grown strongly
attached to her. In fact, she seems to us as one of our own children;
and we, to her, are in the place of parents. To remove her would,
therefore, be doing a great violence to our feelings, and I know it
would make her unhappy. Let her remain where she is, and you may rest
assured that she will be cared for as tenderly as our own."
"No, Edward, it is no use to talk of that," replied Jasper,
positively. "I wish, now, to have her in my own family, and trust that
you will not stand for a moment in the way."
"But, Mr. Jasper"--
"It will be of no avail to argue the point, Edward," said the
merchant, interrupting him. "I was fully in earnest when I wrote to
you, and am no less in earnest now. I am certainly entitled to the
possession of my ward, and will not bear, patiently, any attempt on
your part to deprive me of that right."
There was an angry quivering of the lips, and a stern knitting of the
brows, on the part of Jasper, as he closed this emphatic sentence.
Claire felt excited, yet was so fully conscious of the necessity of
self-control, that he quieted down his feelings, and endeavoured to
think calmly.
"Well, what do you say?" imperatively demanded Jasper, after waiting
some moments for a reply.
"We cannot part with the child," said the young man, in a low,
appealing voice.
"You _must_ part with her!" was the quick, resolute response.
"Must? That is a strong word, Mr. Jasper." Claire's manner underwent
another change, as was shown by the firm compression of his lips, and
the steady gaze of his eyes, as he fixed them on the merchant.
"I know it is strong, but no stronger than my purpose; and I warn you
not to stand in my way. I've got an old grudge against you, so don't
provoke me too far in this matter. A pretty affair, indeed, when _you_
attempt to come between me and my legal rights and duties."
"Duties!" There was a stinging contempt in the young man's voice. The
manner of Jasper had chafed him beyond all manner of self-control.
"You forget to whom you are speaking," said the latter, offended now,
as well as angry. "But we will not bandy words. Will you, without
further trouble, give into my hands the child of Mr. Elder?"
"I cannot do it, Mr. Jasper."
"Speak positively. Will you, or will you not do as I wish?"
"I will not," was the decided answer.
"Enough." And Jasper turned away, muttering in an undertone, "We'll
soon see who is to be master here."
Claire lingered a short time, but, as Jasper showed no disposition
to renew the conversation, he left the store, greatly disturbed and
troubled in his mind.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|