I will go at once to Mr.Jasper, and learn from him whether he has the child." "Go quickly, Edward," said Edith.

"Oh! it will be such a relief to have a certainty; to know even that she is in his hands." Without further remark, Claire left his house and hurried off to the store of Jasper.

The merchant was not there.

From one of his clerks he learned his present residence, which happened not to be far distant.
Thither he went, and, on asking to see him, was told by the servant that he was not at home.

He then inquired for Mrs.Jasper, who, on being summoned, met him in one of the parlours.