|
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 40
"True."
"These on our side, I think we have little to fear from Jasper. The
great trial will come afterward."
To this conclusion, that is, to retain Fanny until her twelfth year,
if possible--they came, after once more carefully reviewing the whole
subject; and, resting here, they patiently awaited the result.
With what a new interest was the child regarded from this time! How
the hearts of Claire and his wife melted toward her on all occasions!
She seemed to grow, daily, more and more into their affections;
and, what to them appeared strange--it might only have been
imagination--manifested a more clinging tenderness, as if conscious of
the real truth.
Weeks elapsed and nothing further was heard from Jasper. Claire and
his wife began to hope that he would make no attempt to separate Fanny
from them; at least not until her twelfth year. Let us turn to him,
and see what he is doing, or proposing to do, in the case.
Two or three days subsequent to the time when Claire received the
notification from Jasper, just referred to, two men sat, in close
conference, in the office of an attorney noted for his legal
intelligence, but more noted for his entire want of principle. For
a good fee, he would undertake any case, and gain for his client, if
possible, no matter how great the wrong that was done. His name was
Grind. The two men here introduced, were this lawyer and Jasper.
"Do you really think," said the latter, "that, in the face of my
guardianship, he can retain possession of the child?"
"He has, you say, a copy of this contract?" Grind held a sheet of
paper in his hand.
"Yes. To think that I was such a fool as to bind myself in this way!
But I did not dream, for a moment, that things were going to turn up
as they have."
"It is a contract that binds you both," said the lawyer, "and I do not
see that you can go round it."
"I must go round it!" replied Jasper, warmly. "You know all the quirks
and windings of the law, and I look to you for help in this matter.
The possession of that child, is, to me, a thing of the first
importance."
"After two years she will come into your hands without trouble, Mr.
Jasper. Why not wait?"
"Wait! I will not hear the word. No! no! I must have her now."
"The law will not give her to you, Mr. Jasper," returned Grind, with
the utmost self-possession. "The contract is clearly expressed; and it
is binding."
"Is there no way to accomplish my end?" said Jasper, impatiently.
"There must be. I cannot be foiled in this matter. Even pride would
forbid this. But, there are stronger motives than pride at work now."
"Can you allege ill-treatment against the young man or his wife? Or
neglect of your ward's comfort? Have they failed to do their duty by
her in any respect?"
"I should not wonder; but, unfortunately, I can prove nothing."
"You might call for an investigation."
"And if every thing was proved right on their part?"
"The court would, most probably, return the child to their care. I
am ready to take all necessary steps for you; but, Mr. Jasper, I very
strongly incline to the opinion that the least noise you make in this
matter, the better. Couldn't you--for a consideration in money, for
instance--overcome the reluctance of Claire and his wife to part with
the child? Honey, you know, catches more flies than vinegar."
"Buy him off, you mean?"
"Yes."
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|