We have no wish to make any profit out of her." "That being the case, Edward," said the merchant, "why are you so reluctant to give her up ?" "Because," was the reply, "both myself and wife have become strongly attached to her.

In fact, she seems like one of our own children." "When she is twelve, you know," Edward, returned Jasper, "you will have to resign her.

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.