all three of which you have been guilty."

"We will not bandy words on that subject, Mr. Jasper," said Claire--"I
simply deny that I have been guilty of either of the faults you
allege. As for an investigation into my business conduct, that you can
do as early and as thoroughly as you please. I shall feel no anxiety
for the result."

Jasper did not reply. For a few moments the young man stood as if
expecting some remark; none being made, he turned away, gathered
together a few articles that were his own private property, tied
them into a bundle and marked his name thereon. Then bowing to the
merchant, he retired--oppressed from recent painful excitement, yet
glad, in his inmost feelings, that a connection so dangerous as that
with Jasper had been dissolved--dissolved even at the cost of making
an enemy.

CHAPTER IX.

As no event of particularly marked interest occurred with those whose
histories we are writing, during the next few years, we will pass over
that time without a record. Some changes of more or less importance
have taken place, in the natural progress of things; but these will
become apparent as we pursue the narrative.

A dull, damp November day was losing itself in the sombre twilight,
when Edward Claire left the store of Mr. Melleville, and took his
way homeward. An errand for his wife led him past his old place of
business. As he moved along the street, opposite, he noticed a new
sign over the door, the large gilt letters of which were strongly
reflected in the light of a gas-lamp. It bore the words, JASPER &
PARKER.

Involuntarily the young man sighed. If he had remained with Jasper,
there was little doubt but that his name would have been the one now
associated with his in a copartnership. Parker was the young man who
had betrayed the conversation between Claire and Mr. Melleville. His
end in doing this was to gain the favour of Jasper, and thus secure
the place left vacant by the departing clerk. He had succeeded in his
purpose. Jasper offered him the situation, and he took it. Five
years afterward, in which time Jasper had made money rapidly, he
was elevated to the position of partner, with a fair interest in the
business. He had been honest toward his employer, because he saw that
through him there was a chance to rise. Honest in heart he was not,
for he never scrupled to overreach a customer.

Edward Claire, as we have remarked, sighed involuntarily. His own
prospects in life were