In that, the law will undoubtedly sustain us."
"The law is very uncertain, Edward."
"But our contract is plainly worded, and, in this State, private
written contracts between parties to an agreement are good in law.
At best, however, we can only keep her two years longer; that is what
troubles me most."
"We must do our duty by her," said Edith, endeavouring to speak
calmly, "during that time; and wean our hearts from her as much as
possible, so that the giving of her up, when it has to be done, will
cause as little grief as possible. Poor child! It will be hard for her
to leave us, and go to her new home. That thought is beginning to pain
me most."
"And such a home! I have seen Mrs. Jasper frequently, and, if my
observation is correct, she is no true woman. Dress, it seemed to me,
was all she cared for; and there was a captiousness and ill-temper
about her, at times, that was, to say the least of it, very
unbecoming."
"And to her care we must resign this precious one," said Edith, with a
sigh. "Oh, how the thought pains me! Dear, dear child!"
"The time is yet distant," remarked Claire--"distant by nearly two
years. Let it be our duty to prepare her as fully for the new relation
as possible. Two years is a long time--many changes will take place,
and among them, it may be, a change in the purpose of Mr.
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