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 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."