And, yet, this suspense--how painful it is!" "Painful, it is true, Edward; yet, how in every way to be preferred to the certainty we so much dread." "O yes--yes.

I agree with you there." Then, after a pause, he said, "It is now three months since the time expired for which we agreed to keep Fanny." "I know," was the sighing response.
They both remained silent, each waiting for the other to speak.

The same thought was in the mind of each.

Excited by the close pressure of want upon their income, Edward was first to give it voice.
"Mr.Jasper," said he, touching the subject at first remotely, "may have forgotten, in the pressure of business on his attention, the fact that Fanny is now twelve years old." "So I have thought," replied Edith.
"If I send, as usual, for the sum heretofore regularly paid for her maintenance, it may bring this fact to his mind." "I have feared as much," was the low, half-tremulous response.
"And yet, if I do not send, the very omission may excite a question, and produce the consequences we fear." "True, Edward.

All that has passed through my mind over and over again." "What had we better do ?" "Ah!" sighed Edith, "if we only knew that." "Shall I send the order, as usual ?" Edith shook her head, saying-- "I'm afraid." "And I hesitate with the same fear." "And yet, Edith," said Claire, who, as the provider for the family, pondered more anxiously the question of ways and means, "what are we to do?
Our income, with Fanny's board added, is but just sufficient.
Take away three hundred dollars a year, and where will we stand?
The thought presses like a leaden weight on my feelings.