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In fact, she regards them as her parents; and their affection for her is not exceeded by their affection for their own children. To separate them would be exceedingly painful to all parties. As for the child, it would make her very unhappy." "I can't help that, Mr. Melleville." Jasper spoke coldly. "Under all the circumstances," said Mr.
"I learn," said the latter, "from Mr. Claire, that you refuse to pay any further sums for her maintenance. Is the property left by her father, to which common report has affixed considerable value, exhausted, or" "I have refused to pay him any further sums," said Jasper, in a quick, excited voice, interrupting Mr. Melleville. "Our contract, regularly entered into, has expired by limitation.
"I believe you are right in that, Edith; I know you are right," said the young man, with a strong emphasis on the last sentence. "But what am I to do? Five hundred dollars a year is little enough for our wants; I have, as you know, been dissatisfied with that. I can hardly get as much in another situation. I know of but one opening, and that is with Melleville."
Melleville was now worth five hundred dollars a year, but his family had increased, and with the increase had come new wants. The condition of Mr. Melleville's business gave him no encouragement to hope for a larger income while in his service. Several times during the last two years he had made application for vacant places, but without success.
I don't understand this language. It looks like an effort to force me into measures. Pray, what have I to fear from Edward Claire?" "Sometimes," replied Melleville, with a slow, meaning enunciation, "those we regard as most insignificant are the very ones we should most fear." "Fear! Fear, Mr. Melleville! You make use of strange language." "Perhaps I do," was answered.
"As I have dropped in to talk with you a little about my own affairs, I will come at once to the point." "That is right. Speak out plainly, Edward, and you will find in me, at least, a sincere friend, and an honest adviser. What is the matter now?" "I don't like my present situation, Mr. Melleville!" "Ah! Well? What's the trouble? Have you and Jasper had a misunderstanding?" "Oh no!
There had been some underhand work here or some betrayal of an ill-advised confidence. The former, I am most ready to believe. In a word, sir, and to bring this at once to an issue your informant in this matter is Henry Parker, who lives with Mr. Melleville." The change instantly perceptible in the manner of Jasper showed that Edward's suspicion was right.
I would, let me say in passing, much rather hold my relation to this unpleasant business than his. Mr. Melleville offered me my old salary four hundred dollars and I agreed to enter his service." "Four hundred dollars!" Jasper said this in unfeigned surprise. "Yes, sir; that is all he can afford to pay, and of course all I will receive." "And I offered you six hundred and fifty." "True."
Melleville is concerned," said he, "I wish you to understand, that I applied to him for the situation." "Exactly! That is in agreement with what I heard. I was such a rogue that you could not live with me and keep a clear conscience so you sought for a place with an honest man." Claire dropped his eyes to the floor, and stood musing for some considerable time.
At last, he came home from the store of Mr. Melleville, at the usual tea-time, feeling so unwell that he was forced to lie down. He had no appetite for supper, and merely sipped part of a cup of tea brought to him by his wife as he still reclined upon the bed. "Don't get up," said Edith, seeing her husband, after he had lain for some time, about to rise.
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