"I've turned it over in my mind a great deal," resumed Claire,
thoughtfully; "but with little or no satisfactory result. Once I
thought I would call on him"--
"Oh, no, no! not for the world!" instantly exclaimed Edith.
"I see, with you, dear, that such a step would be imprudent. And, yet,
this suspense--how painful it is!"
"Painful, it is true, Edward; yet, how in every way to be preferred to
the certainty we so much dread."
"O yes--yes. I agree with you there." Then, after a pause, he said,
"It is now three months since the time expired for which we agreed to
keep Fanny."
"I know," was the sighing response.
They both remained silent, each waiting for the other to speak. The
same thought was in the mind of each. Excited by the close pressure of
want upon their income, Edward was first to give it voice.
"Mr. Jasper," said he, touching the subject at first remotely, "may
have forgotten, in the pressure of business on his attention, the fact
that Fanny is now twelve years old."
"So I have thought," replied Edith.
"If I send, as usual, for the sum heretofore regularly paid for her
maintenance, it may bring this fact to his mind."
"I have feared as much," was the low, half-tremulous response.
"And yet, if I do not send, the very omission may excite a question,
and produce the consequences we fear.
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