now prepared to look calmly at the new relation affairs had so
suddenly assumed. At dinner-time, Edward had related the substance of
his interview with Jasper.

"What can he do?" asked Edith, referring now to the muttered threat of
that individual.

"I don't know that he can do any thing more than withhold the regular
sums heretofore paid for the support of Fanny. If he does that, I will
collect them legally."

"Can't he take her away by force? Won't the law compel us to give her
up?" asked Edith, in a troubled voice.

"Our contract gives us a right to her possession until she is twelve
years of age. In that, the law will undoubtedly sustain us."

"The law is very uncertain, Edward."

"But our contract is plainly worded, and, in this State, private
written contracts between parties to an agreement are good in law.
At best, however, we can only keep her two years longer; that is what
troubles me most."

"We must do our duty by her," said Edith, endeavouring to speak
calmly, "during that time; and wean our hearts from her as much as
possible, so that the giving of her up, when it has to be done, will
cause as little grief as possible. Poor child! It will be hard for her
to leave us, and go to her new home. That thought is beginning to pain
me most."

"And such a home! I have seen Mrs. Jasper frequently, and, if my
observation is correct, she is no true woman. Dress, it seemed to me,
was all she cared for; and there was a captiousness and ill-temper
about her, at times, that was, to say the least of it, very
unbecoming."

"And to her care we must resign this precious one," said Edith, with a
sigh. "Oh, how the thought pains me! Dear, dear child!"

"The time is yet distant," remarked Claire--"distant by nearly two
years. Let it be our duty to prepare her as fully for the new relation
as possible. Two years is a long time--many changes will take place,
and among them, it may be, a change in the purpose of Mr. Jasper.
We will hope for this, at least; yet wisely prepare for a different
result."

"As things now appear, I do not see what else remains for us to do.
Ah me! How like lightning from a summer sky has this flashed suddenly
over us. But, Edward, we must not, in the strong trial of our natural
feelings, permit ourselves to forget that dear Fanny is in the higher
guardianship of One who is infinitely wise and good. If she is to pass
from our care to that of Mr. Jasper and his family, it is through His
perm