“To whom?  There is no need of concealment, Mr. Jasper.”  Claire was feeling less and less anxious for the result of this conference every moment.  “Speak out freely, and you will find me ready to do the same.  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.  He had, all at once, remembered that, during his conversation with Melleville, this young man was near.

“I see how it is,” he continued.  “An eavesdropper has reported, with his own comments and exaggerations, a strictly confidential interview.  Such being the case, I will state the plain truth of the matter.  Are you prepared to hear it?”

“Oh, certainly,” replied Jasper, with a covert sneer in his voice.  “I’m prepared to hear any thing.”

“Very well.  What I have to say is now wrung from me.  I did not wish to leave you in anger.  I did not wish to draw upon me your ill-will.  But, what is unavoidable must be borne.  It is true, Mr. Jasper, as you have been informed, that I am not satisfied with your way of doing business.”

“How long since, pray?” asked Jasper, with ill-disguised contempt.

“I did not like it in the beginning, but gradually suffered myself to think that all was fair in trade, until I found I was no better than a common cheat!  Happily, I have been able to make a sudden pause in the way I was going.  From this time, I will serve no man who expects me to overreach a customer in dealing.  So soon as my mind was fully made up to leave your employment, I called to see my old friend, Mr. Melleville; stated to him, frankly and fully, what I thought and felt; and asked him if he could not make room for me in his store.  Parker doubtless overheard a part of what we were saying, and reported it to you.  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.”

“Edward, you are the most consummate fool I ever heard of.”

“Time will show that,” was the undisturbed reply.  “I have made my election thoughtfully, and am prepared to meet the result.”

“You’ll repent of this; mark my word for it.”

“I may regret your ill-will, Mr. Jasper; but never repent this step.  I’m only thankful that I possessed sufficient resolution to take it.”

“When are you going?”

“Not before the end of this month, unless you wish it otherwise.  I would like to give you full time to supply my place.”