Is the property left by her
father, to which common report has affixed considerable value,
exhausted, or"--
"I have refused to pay _him_ any further sums," said Jasper, in a
quick, excited voice, interrupting Mr. Melleville. "Our contract,
regularly entered into, has expired by limitation. He was to have the
care of her only until she reached her twelfth year. Of this fact he
is clearly advised, and I wonder at his pertinacity in endeavouring to
retain the child, when he knows that I, her guardian, wish to have her
in my own possession."
"He has had her ever since she was a little child; and both he and his
wife are now strongly attached to her. In fact, she regards them as
her parents; and their affection for her is not exceeded by
their affection for their own children. To separate them would be
exceedingly painful to all parties. As for the child, it would make
her very unhappy."
"I can't help that, Mr. Melleville." Jasper spoke coldly.
"Under all the circumstances," said Mr. Melleville, after a pause,
speaking slowly, and with considerable emphasis in his words, "it is
my opinion that you had better let the child remain where she is."
"Why do you say so?" Jasper spoke with ill-concealed surprise; and the
uneasy, suspicious manner, at first exhibited, returned.
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