The poor, humble, despised, but honest clerk, now stood erect, while the merchant cowered before him in humiliation and fear.
"Edward," said Jasper, as soon as he had sufficient composure of mind to think somewhat clearly and speak calmly, "What do you purpose doing in this matter ?" "What is right, Mr.Jasper," answered Claire, firmly.

"That is my duty." "Ruin! ruin! ruin!" exclaimed Jasper, in a low voice, again losing command of himself, and wringing his hands hopelessly.

"Oh! that it should have come to this!" Astonished as Claire was by what he now heard and saw, he felt the necessity of preserving the most entire self-possession.

When Jasper again put the question-- "What do you purpose doing, Edward ?" he replied.
"I shall be better able to answer that question when I have all the particulars upon which to make up a decision.

At present, I only know that a large amount of property has been withheld from Miss Elder; and that I have only to bring this man Martin into a court of justice to have every thing made clear." "And this you purpose doing ?" "I shall do so, undoubtedly; unless the object to be gained by such a course is secured in another way." "Quite as much, believe me, Edward, can be gained through private arrangement as by legal investigation," returned Jasper, his manner greatly subdued.