This fact of giving to the contract a legal form, was, under the circumstances, the very thing Claire most desired.  He had already begun to see difficulties ahead, so soon as he announced his intention of leaving Jasper’s service; particularly, as no reason that he could give would satisfy the merchant—­difficulties growing out of this new relation as the personal guardian of little Fanny Elder.  The signing of a regular contract for the payment of a certain sum of money, quarterly, for the child’s maintenance, gave him a legal right to collect that sum, should Jasper, from any change of feeling, be disposed at some future time to give him trouble.  This was something gained.

It was with exceeding reluctance that Claire forced himself, during the afternoon, to announce his intention to leave Mr. Jasper.  Had he not promised Mr. Melleville and his wife to do this, it would certainly have been postponed for the present; perhaps altogether.  But his word was passed to both of them, and he felt that to defer the matter would be wrong.  So, an opportunity offering, he said—­

“I believe, Mr. Jasper, that I shall have to leave you.”

“Leave me, Edward!” Mr. Jasper was taken altogether by surprise.  “What is the meaning of this?  You have expressed no dissatisfaction.  What is wrong?”

The position of Edward was a trying one.  He could not state the true reasons for wishing to leave his present situation, without giving great offence, and making, perhaps, an enemy.  This he wished, if possible, to avoid.  A few days before he would not have scrupled at the broadest equivocation, or even at a direct falsehood.  But there had been a birth of better principles in his mind, and he was in the desire to let them govern his conduct.  As he did not answer promptly the question of Jasper as to his reasons for wishing to leave him, the latter said—­

“This seems to be some sudden purpose, Edward.  Are you going to receive a higher salary?”

Still Edward did not reply; but looked worried and irresolute.  Taking it for granted that no motive but a pecuniary one could have prompted this desire for change, Jasper continued—­

“I have been satisfied with you, Edward.  You seem to understand me, and to comprehend my mode of doing business.  I have found you industrious, prompt, and cheerful in performing your duties.  These are qualities not always to be obtained.  I do not, therefore, wish to part with you.  If a hundred, or even a hundred and fifty dollars a year, will be any consideration, your salary is increased from to-day.”

This, to Edward, was unexpected.  He felt more bewildered and irresolute than at first.  So important an advance in his income, set against a reduction of the present amount, was a strong temptation, and he felt his old desires for money arraying themselves in his mind.

“I will think over your offer,” said he.  “I did not expect this.  In the morning I will be prepared to decide.”