The manner of Claire was very much agitated, and he said, with an abruptness that evidently disconcerted the lady-- "Good evening, madam! My name is Claire.

You remember me, of course ?" The lady bowed coldly, and with a frown on her brow.
"Is little Fanny Elder here ?" was asked, and with even greater abruptness.
"Fanny Elder?
No! Why do you ask that question ?" There was something so positive in the denial of Mrs.Jasper, that Claire felt her words as truth.
"Not here ?" said he, catching his breath in a gasping manner.

"Not here ?" "I said that she was not here," was the reply.
"Oh, where then is she, madam ?" exclaimed the young man, evincing great distress.
"How should I know?
Is she not in your possession?
What is the meaning of this, Mr.Claire ?" The lady spoke sternly, and with the air of one both offended and irritated.
"Somebody enticed her away, on her return from school this afternoon," said Claire.

"Mr.Jasper said that he would have her; and my first and natural conclusion was that he had executed his threat.

Oh, ma'am, if this be so, tell me, that my anxiety for the child's safety may have rest.