He had not forgotten the contract, for all his affected ignorance thereof.

He only hoped that Edward had, through carelessness, lost his copy.

But he was mistaken.
"A contract! A contract ?" said Jasper, as if communing with his own thoughts.

"I do remember, now, something of the kind.

And so there was a written contract ?" "Yes, sir; and I have a copy in your own hand." "And I am to understand, Edward, that notwithstanding my wish, as the child's legal guardian, and, therefore, the representative of her parents, to have her in my own family, that you will interpose a hasty-signed contract ?" "Mr.Jasper," said the young man, changing his manner, "we have had this child in our family for over five years, and have grown strongly attached to her.