It was for this that he had been so anxious to get Fanny, and for this that he carried her off forcibly, although his agency in the matter did not appear.

He then related how, in the sale, he became the real purchaser; and how, afterward, the tract, as coal land, was sold to a company for nearly a hundred thousand dollars.
"But Edward," said Jasper, as he concluded his humiliating narrative, "I am worse off to-day than if I had never made this transaction.

It gave me a large amount of capital for trade and speculation, but it also involved me in connections, and led me into schemes for money-making, that have wellnigh proved my ruin.

In all truth, I am not, this day, worth one-half of what I received for that property." Jasper ceased speaking; but astonishment kept Claire silent.
"And now, Edward," resumed the former, "I am ready to make restitution as far as in my power lies.

You can drag me into court, and thus blast my reputation; or, you can obtain for Miss Elder as much, or even more, than you would probably get by law--for, if driven into the courts, I will contend to the last moment--through an amicable arrangement.