er in my own family, and trust that
you will not stand for a moment in the way."

"But, Mr. Jasper"--

"It will be of no avail to argue the point, Edward," said the
merchant, interrupting him. "I was fully in earnest when I wrote to
you, and am no less in earnest now. I am certainly entitled to the
possession of my ward, and will not bear, patiently, any attempt on
your part to deprive me of that right."

There was an angry quivering of the lips, and a stern knitting of the
brows, on the part of Jasper, as he closed this emphatic sentence.
Claire felt excited, yet was so fully conscious of the necessity of
self-control, that he quieted down his feelings, and endeavoured to
think calmly.

"Well, what do you say?" imperatively demanded Jasper, after waiting
some moments for a reply.

"We cannot part with the child," said the young man, in a low,
appealing voice.

"You _must_ part with her!" was the quick, resolute response.

"Must? That is a strong word, Mr. Jasper." Claire's manner underwent
another change, as was shown by the firm compression of his lips, and
the steady gaze of his eyes, as he fixed them on the merchant.

"I know it is strong, but no stronger than my purpose; and I warn you
not to stand in my way. I've got an old grudge against you, so don't
provoke me too far in this matter. A pretty affair, indeed, when _you_
attempt to come between me and my legal rights and duties."

"Duties!" There was a stinging contempt in the young man's voice. The
manner of Jasper had chafed him beyond all manner of self-control.

"You forget to whom you are speaking," said the latter, offended now,
as well as angry. "But we will not bandy words. Will you, without
further trouble, give into my hands the child of Mr. Elder?"

"I cannot do it, Mr. Jasper."

"Speak positively. Will you, or will you not do as I wish?"

"I will not," was the decided answer.

"Enough." And Jasper turned away, muttering in an undertone, "We'll
soon see who is to be master here."

Claire lingered a short time, but, as Jasper showed no disposition
to renew the conversation, he left the store, greatly disturbed and
troubled in his mind.

CHAPTER XI.

When Edward Claire and his wife drew together on the evening of that
day, after the children were in bed, both were calmer than at their
previous interview on a subject that necessarily brought with it
strong excitement of feeling. Both had thought much and felt much, and
were