CHAPTER XX.

The meeting of Claire and Jasper, for the final settlement of Mr. Elder’s estate, was to take place at the office of Grind, at ten o’clock.  Before keeping his appointment, the former turned over in his mind, with careful deliberation, the circumstances which had just occurred; and the more he thought of it, the better satisfied was he that a fraud had been committed.  The author of that fraud could be no one else but the guardian of Fanny; of whose honesty Claire had, with good reason, no very high opinion.  His conclusion was, not to accept, at present, a settlement of the estate.

With an uneasy foreboding of evil—­he was, in fact, rarely now without that feeling—­Leonard Jasper took his way to the office of Grind.  Notwithstanding he had defied Martin, he yet feared him.  But he was so near to the point of comparative safety, that he hoped soon to be past all real danger from this quarter.  Too little time had elapsed, since he parted with him, for Martin to see Claire, even if a thought of assailing him in that quarter had crossed his mind.  So Jasper believed.  How sadly taken by surprise was he, therefore, when, on meeting Claire, the latter said—­

“Since I saw you yesterday, a matter has come to my knowledge which I feel bound to investigate, before proceeding any farther in this business.”

As if struck by a heavy blow, Jasper moved a pace or two backward, while an instant pallor overspread his face.  Quickly recovering himself, he said—­

“Explain yourself, Edward.  What matter has come to your knowledge?”

“On that subject I would prefer speaking with you alone,” replied Claire.

“This room is at your service,” said Grind, rising and retiring toward his front office.  “You will be altogether free from intrusion.”  And he passed out, closing the door behind him.

“Edward,” said Jasper, in as firm a voice as he could assume, “What is the meaning of this?  You look at me with an expression of countenance, and have spoken in a tone that implies a belief on your part that I have not acted fairly in the matter of this guardianship.”

“Such, at least, is my impression,” replied Claire, firmly.

“Have you come here to insult me, sir?” Jasper drew himself up with an offended manner.

“No, Mr. Jasper.  I have no such intention.  All I purpose is, to ascertain how far certain information received by me this morning is correct.”

“What information?”

The merchant became a good deal agitated.

“A man named Martin called on me”—­

“Martin! oh, the wretch!  My curses rest on him, for a base betrayer!”

Claire was startled at the effect produced by his mention of the name of Martin.  Jasper, on hearing this name, believed that every thing had been divulged, and, in the bitterness and despair of this conviction, threw off all concealment.  His countenance, which had partly gained its usual colour, became pallid again, while large beads of sweat oozed from the relaxed pores and stood upon his forehead.  Moving back a step or two, he sank into a chair, and averting his face, sat struggling with himself to regain the mastery over his feelings.