The child is mine by right, and I will have her, come what will." Feeling how useless it would be to multiply words, Claire turned away and left the store.

He did not go home immediately, as he had thought of doing, in order to relieve the suspense of his wife, who was, he knew, very anxious to learn for what purpose Jasper had sent for him; but went to his place of business and laid the whole substance of his interview before his fast friend, Mr.Melleville, whose first response was one of indignation at the offer made by Jasper to buy him over to his wishes with money.

He then said-- "There is something wrong here, depend upon it.

Was there much property left by the child's parents ?" "Two houses in the city." "Was that all ?" "All, I believe, of any value.

There was a tract of land somewhere in the State, taken for debt; but it was considered of little account." "Regard for the child has nothing to do with this movement," remarked Mr.Melleville.