Weeks elapsed and nothing further was heard from Jasper. Claire and his wife began to hope that he would make no attempt to separate Fanny from them; at least not until her twelfth year. Let us turn to him, and see what he is doing, or proposing to do, in the case. Two or three days subsequent to the time when Claire received the notification from Jasper, just referred to, two men sat, in close conference, in the office of an attorney noted for his legal intelligence, but more noted for his entire want of principle. For a good fee, he would undertake any case, and gain for his client, if possible, no matter how great the wrong that was done. His name was Grind. The two men here introduced, were this lawyer and Jasper. "Do you really think," said the latter, "that, in the face of my guardianship, he can retain possession of the child?" "He has, you say, a copy of this contract?" Grind held a sheet of paper in his hand. "Yes. To think that I was such a fool as to bind myself in this way! But I did not dream, for a moment, that things were going to turn up as they have." "It is a contract that binds you both," said the lawyer, "and I do not see that you can go round it." "I must go round it!" replied Jasper, warmly. "You know all the quirks and windings of the law, and I look to you for help in this matter. The possession of that child, is, to me, a thing of the first importance." "After two years she will come into your hands without trouble, Mr. Jasper. Why not wait?" "Wait! I will not hear the word. No! no! I must have her now." "The law will not give her to you, Mr. Jasper," returned Grind, with the utmost self-possession. "The contract is clearly expressed; and it is binding." "Is there no way to accomplish my end?" said Jasper, impatiently. "There must be. I cannot be foiled in this matter. Even pride would forbid this. But, there are stronger motives than pride at work now." "Can you allege ill-treatment against the young man or his wife? Or neglect of your ward's comfort? Have they failed to do their duty by her in any respect?" "I should not wonder; but, unfortunately, I can prove nothing." "You might call for an investigation." "And if every thing was proved right on their part?" "The court would, most probably, return the child to their care. I am ready to take all necessary steps for you; but, Mr. Jasper, I very strongly incline to the opinion that the least noise you make in this matter, the better. Couldn't you--for a consideration in money, for instance--overcome the reluctance of Claire and his wife to part with the child? Honey, you know, catches more flies than vinegar." "Buy him off, you mean?" "Yes." "No--no! I hate him too cordially for that. He's a villain in disguise; that's my opinion of him. A low, canting hypocrite. Buy him off for money. Oh no!" "Could he be bought?" asked the lawyer.