And yet, restricted in their own income, and with a family growing daily more expensive, they understood but too well the embarrassment which would follow, if any very important change were made in their present external relations.  To explain every thing to Fanny, would, they knew, lead to an instant tender of all she possessed.  But this they could not do; nor had they a single selfish desire in regard to her property.  If things could remain as they were, without injustice to Fanny, they would be contented; but they were not altogether satisfied as to the amount they were receiving for her maintenance.  It struck them as being too much; and they had more than once conferred together in regard to its reduction.

The first thing to be done was to make Fanny comprehend her relation to Mr. Jasper, her guardian, and his wish to settle up the estate of her father, and transfer to her, or her representative, the property that remained in his hands.

“I will leave all with you, father,” was the very natural response made to this.  “All I have is yours.  Do just as you think best.”

On the next day a power of attorney in the name of Edward Claire was executed; and, as Jasper was anxious to get the business settled, every facility thereto was offered.  Claire examined the will of Mr. Elder, in which certain property was mentioned, and saw that it agreed with the guardian’s statement.  All the accounts were scrutinized; and all the vouchers for expenditure compared with the various entries.  Every thing appeared correct, and Claire expressed himself entirely satisfied.  All legal forms were then complied with; and, in due time, the necessary documents were prepared ready for the signature of Claire, by which Jasper would be freed from the nervous anxiety he had for years felt whenever his thoughts went forward to this particular point of time.

On the evening preceding the day when a consummation so long and earnestly looked for was to take place, Jasper, with his mind too much absorbed in business troubles to mingle with his family, sat alone in his library, deeply absorbed in plans and calculations.  His confidence in fortune and his own prudence had been growing weaker, daily; and now it seemed to him as if a great darkness were gathering all around.  He had fully trusted in himself; alas! how weak now seemed to him his human arm; how dim the vision with which he would penetrate the future.  He was mocked of his own overweening and proud confidence.

This was his state of mind when a servant came to the library-door, and announced a gentleman who wished to see him.

“What is his name?” asked Jasper.

“He said it was no difference.  He was a friend.”

“It might make a great difference,” Jasper muttered in an undertone.  “Show him up,” he said aloud.

The servant retired, and Jasper waited for his visitor to appear.  He was not long in suspense.  The door soon reopened, and a man, poorly clad, and with a face bearing strong marks of intemperance and evil passions, came in.