Don't suppose, for a moment, that I
shall either forget or forgive this outrage. Leave me because I cheat
in my business!" An expression of unmitigated contempt was on his
face. "Poh! What hypocrisy! I know you! And let Mr. Melleville beware.
He, I more than suspect, is at the bottom of this. But he'll rue the
day he crossed my path--he will!"
And 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.
Pages:
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94