With his eyes cast upon the floor, he sat silently communing with his
own thoughts for some time. The announcement of a vacancy in the house
of Edgar & Co., and the offer to try and get the situation for
him, had flattered his mind considerably. If he did not make some
compromise in the present case, he could count nothing on the
influence of Jasper. But, how could he compromise? There was but one
way--to give up Fanny--and that he was not prepared to do.
Seeing that the young man remained silent, Jasper said--
"Edward, I will make you this very liberal offer. Understand, now,
that I am deeply in earnest--that the possession of Fanny is a thing
of great moment to me; and that to gain this desired object, I
am prepared to go very far. If you will meet me in a spirit of
compromise, I will become as I was some years ago, your friend; and I
have the ability to aid any one materially. As just said, I will make
you this liberal offer:--Let me have the child now, and for the next
two years I will pay you the same that you have been receiving for her
maintenance."
Claire lifted his head quickly. There was already a flush on his
cheeks and a sharp light in his eyes.
"Stay--one moment," interrupted Jasper, who saw by the motion of his
lips that he was about replying. "I will pay you the whole sum, six
hundred dollars, in advance, and, in addition thereto, pledge myself
to procure for you, within three mouths, a situation worth a thousand
dollars per annum, at least.
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