Our agreement only extends to that time." He spoke
in a mild, insinuating, friendly tone of voice. So much so, in fact,
that Claire, well as he knew him, was partially deceived and thrown
off of his guard.
"True; unless you have seen reason by that time, which we hope will
be the case, to let her remain in her present home. Believe me, Mr.
Jasper,"--Claire spoke earnestly--"that Fanny will take the parting
very hard, if ever it comes."
"As come it must, Edward, sooner or later," was the mild, yet firm
response.
"Are you so earnest about this, Mr. Jasper? I have flattered myself
that you did not really care a great deal about having Fanny."
"I am entirely in earnest, Edward," was the reply. "I may have seemed
to you indifferent about this child, but such has not been the case.
I have feelings and purposes in regard to her which I cannot explain,
but which are near my heart. I see your position and that of your
wife, and I feel for you. If compatible with what I conceive to be
my duty, I would let her remain under your care. But such is not the
case. Surely, it will be far better for both you and Fanny for the
change that must come to be made now."
The calm, kind, insinuating manner of Jasper disarmed Claire, and made
him wish that he could meet the desire of his old employer, without
the painful breach in his home circle which must be the consequence.
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