True Riches, CHAPTER 19.
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There was one point of time to which Leonard Jasper looked with great anxiety, and that was to the period of Fanny Elder's majority, when it was his purpose to relinquish his guardianship, and wash his hands, if it were possible to do so, entirely clean of her. Until the estate left by her father was settled up, the property in her hands — and receipts in his, there was danger ahead. And, as the time drew nearer and nearer, he felt increasing uneasiness.
On the very day that Fanny reached her eighteenth year, Jasper sent a note to Chavez, asking an interview.
"I wish," said he, when the latter came, "to have some conference with you about Miss Elder. She has now, you are no doubt aware, attained the legal age. Such being the case, I wish, as early as it can be done, to settle up the estate of her father, and pay over to her, or to any person she may select as her agent, the property in my hands. It has increased some in value. Will you consult her on the subject?"
Chavez promised to do so; and, at the same time, asked as to the amount of Fanny's property.
"The total value will not fall much short of eight thousand dollars," replied Jasper. "There are two houses and lots that would sell at any time for six thousand dollars. You live in one of these houses, and the other is rented for two hundred and fifty dollars a year. Then there are nearly two thousand dollars in six per cent stocks. When her father died, his estate consisted of these two houses, and a piece of poor land which he had taken as satisfaction for a debt. At the first opportunity, I sold the land and invested the money. This sum, with accumulations of interest, and rents received for several years, beyond what was required for Fanny's maintenance, has now increased to within a fraction of two thousand dollars, and is, as just said, invested in stocks. I think," added Jasper, "that you had better assume the management of this property yourself. Get from Miss Elder a power of attorney authorizing you to settle the estate, and the whole business can be completed in a very short time. I will make out an accurate statement of everything for you, so that you will be at no loss to comprehend the accounts."
To this there could, of course, be no objection on the part of Chavez. He promised to confer with Fanny, and let Jasper know, in a day or two, the result.
Now came a new trial for Chavez and his wife. They had taken Fanny, when only four years of age, and taken her so entirely into their home and affections, that she had almost from the first seemed to them as one of their own children. In a brief time, the earlier memories of the child faded. The past was absorbed in the present; and she loved as parents, none other than those she called by the tender names of "father" and "mother." The children with whom she grew up, she knew only as her brothers and sisters. This thorough adoption and incorporation of the child into their family was not, in any sense, the work of design on the part of Chavez and his wife. But they saw, in the beginning, no reason to check the natural tendency thereto. When little Fanny, of her own accord, addressed them, soon after her virtual adoption, as "father" and "mother," they accepted the child's own interpretation of their relative positions, and took her from that moment more entirely into their hearts.
And so Fanny Elder grew up to womanhood, in the full belief that she was the child of Mr. and Mrs. Chavez. The new trial through which this excellent couple were now to pass, the reader can easily imagine. The time had come when Fanny must know the real truth in regard to herself — must be told that she had no natural claim upon the love of those whose love she prized above all things.
It seemed cruel to take away the conscious right to love and be loved, which had so long blessed her. And yet the truth must now be made known, and Mrs. Chavez took upon herself the task of breaking it as gently as possible.
A woman in age and stature, yet with all the gentle deference of a daughter, Fanny moved by the side of Mrs. Chavez with a loving thoughtfulness, daily sharing her household duties. Some months before, she had left school — but was still taking lessons in music and French, and devoting a portion of time to practice in drawing, for which she had a decided taste.
On the day after Mr. Chavez's interview with Jasper, Mrs. Chavez said to Fanny, with a seriousness of tone and manner that brought a look of surprise to her face —
"Come to my room with me, dear. I have something to say to you."
Fanny moved along by her side, wondering to herself what could be in her mother's mind. On entering the chamber, Mrs. Chavez shut the door, and then, as she sat down, with an arm around the young girl's waist, she said, in a thoughtful, earnest voice —
"Fanny, I want you to tell me the first thing you recollect in life."
"The first thing, mother?" She smiled at a request so unexpected, and Mrs. Chavez smiled in return, though from a different cause.
"Yes, dear. I have a reason for asking this. Now, let your thoughts run back — far back, and recall for me the very first thing you can recollect."
The countenance of Fanny grew thoughtful, then serious, and then a half-frightened look flashed over it.
"Why, mother," said she, "what can you mean? What do you want to know?"
"Your first recollection, dear?" returned Mrs. Chavez, with an assuring smile, although her heart was full, and it required the most active self-control to prevent her feelings from becoming manifest in her voice.
"Well, let me see! The first? The first? I was playing on the floor with a dear little baby? It was our Edie, wasn't it?"
"Yes — so far your memory is correct. I remember the time to which you refer as perfectly as if but a week had passed. Now, dear, try if you can recall anything beyond that."
"Beyond that, mother? Oh, why do you ask? You make me feel so strangely. Can it be that some things I have thought to be only the memory of dreams — are indeed realities?"
"What are those things, my child?"
"I have a dim remembrance of a pale — but beautiful woman who often kissed and caressed me — of being in a sick-room — of a strange confusion in the house — of riding in a carriage with father to a funeral. Mother! is there anything in this; if so, what does it mean?"
"That woman, Fanny," said Mrs. Chavez, speaking with forced composure, "was your mother."
The face of the young girl grew instantly pale; her lips parted; and she gasped for breath. Then falling forward on the bosom of Mrs. Chavez, she sobbed —
"Oh, mother! mother! How can you say this? It cannot, it cannot be. You are my own, my only mother."
"You did not receive your life through me, Fanny," replied Mrs. Chavez, so soon as she could command her voice, for she too was overcome by feeling — "but in all else, I am your mother; and I love you equally with my other children. If there has ever been a difference, it has all been in your favor."
"Why, why did you destroy the illusion under which I have so long rested?" said Fanny, when both were more composed. "Why tell me a truth from which no good can flow? Why break in upon my happy ignorance with such a chilling revelation? Oh, mother, mother! Forgive me, if I say you have been cruel."
"Not so, my child. Believe me, that nothing but duty would have ever driven me to this. You are now at woman's legal age. You have a guardian, in whose hands your father, at his death, left, for your benefit, some property; and this person now desires to settle the estate, and transfer to you what remains."
Bewildered, like one awakening from a dream, Fanny listened to this strange announcement. And it was some time before she really comprehended her true position.
"Not your child — a guardian — property! — What does it all mean? Am I really awake, mother?"
"Yes, dear, you are awake. It is no dream, believe me," was the tender reply of Mrs. Chavez. "But, remember, that all this does not diminish our love for you — does not remove you in the least from our affections. You are still our child, bound to us by a thousand intertwining chords."
But little more passed between them at this interview. Fanny asked for no more particulars, and Mrs. Chavez did not think it necessary to give any further information. Fanny soon retired to her own chamber, there to commune with her thoughts, and to seek, in tears, relief to her oppressed feelings.
The meeting of Chavez with Fanny, on his return home, was affecting. She met him with a quivering lip and moistened eyes, and, as she laid her cheek against his bosom, murmured in a sad, yet deeply affectionate voice —
"My father!"
"My own dear child!" quickly replied Chavez, with emotion.
And then both stood for some time silent. Leading her to a seat,
Chavez said tenderly —
"I have always loved you truly, and now you are dearer to me than ever."
"My more than father," was her simple response.
"My own dear child!" said Mr. Chavez, kissing her fondly. "We have ever blessed the day on which you came to us from God."
Words would only have mocked their feelings, and so but few words passed between them, yet how full of thoughts crowding upon thoughts were their minds — how over-excited their hearts with new emotions of love.
After the younger members of the family had retired on that evening, Mr. and Mrs. Chavez and Fanny were alone together. All three were in a calmer state of mind. Fanny listened with deep attention, her hand shading her countenance so as to conceal its varying expression, to a brief history of her parentage. Of things following the time of her entrance into her present home — but little was said. There was an instinctive delicacy on the part of Chavez and his wife, now that Fanny was about coming into the possession of property, which kept back all allusion to the sacrifices they had made, and the pain they had suffered on her account, in their contentions with her guardian. In fact, this matter of property produced with them a feeling of embarrassment. They had no mercenary thoughts in regard to it — had no wish to profit by their intimate and peculiar relation. 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 everything to Fanny, would, they knew, lead to an instant sacrifice by her, 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 Chavez was executed; and, as Jasper was anxious to get the business settled, every facility thereto was offered. Chavez 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. Everything appeared correct, and Chavez 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 Chavez, 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 excessive 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.
"You do not know me," said he, observing that the merchant, who had risen to his feet, did not recognize him.
Jasper shook his head.
"Look closer." There was an air of familiarity and crude insolence about the man.
"Martin!" exclaimed Jasper, stepping back a few paces. "Is it possible!"
"Quite possible, friend Jasper," returned the man, helping himself to a chair, and sinking into it with the air of one who felt himself at home.
Surprise and perplexity kept the merchant speechless for some moments. He would quite as much have been confronted with a robber, pistol in hand!
"I do not wish to see you, Martin," said he, at length, speaking in a severe tone of voice. "Why have you intruded on me again? Are you not satisfied? Have you no mercy?"
"None, Leonard Jasper, none," replied the man scowling. "I never knew the meaning of the word — no more than yourself."
"You are nothing better than a robber!" said the merchant, bitterly.
"I only share with bolder robbers, their richer plunder," retorted the man.
"I will not bear this, Martin. Leave my presence."
"I will relieve you certainly," said the visitor, rising, "when you have done for me what I wish. I arrived here, today, penniless; and have called for a trifling loan to help me on my way North."
"Loan! what mockery! I will yield no further to your outrageous demands. I was a fool ever to have feared the little power you possess. Go, sir! I do not fear you."
"I want your check for two hundred dollars — no more," said Martin, in a modified tone — "I will not be hard on you. Necessity drives me to this resort; but I hope never to trouble you again."
"Not a dollar!" replied Jasper, firmly. "And now, seek some other mode of sustaining yourself in vice and idleness. You have received from me your last contribution. In settling the estate of Reuben Elder to the entire satisfaction of all parties, I have disarmed you. You have no further power to injure me."
"You may find yourself mistaken in regard to my power," replied Martin as he made a movement toward the door, and threw back upon the merchant a side-glance of the keenest malignity. "Many a foot has been stung by the reptile it spurned!"
The word "stay" came not to Jasper's lips. He was fully in earnest. Martin paused, with his hand on the door, and said — "One hundred dollars will do."
"Not a penny — even if it were to save you from Hell!" cried Jasper, his anger and indignation overleaping the boundaries of self-control.
He was alone in the next moment. As his excitement cooled down, he felt by no means indifferent to the consequences which might follow this rupture with Martin. More than one thought presented itself, which, if it could have been weighed calmly a few minutes before, would have caused a slightly modified treatment of his unwelcome visitor.
But having taken his position, Jasper determined to adhere to it, and brave all consequences.
While Chavez was yet seated at the breakfast-table on the next morning, word was brought that a gentleman was in the parlor and wished to see him.
On entering the parlor, he found there a man of exceedingly ill appearance, both as to countenance and apparel.
"My name is Martin," said this person — "though you do not, I presume, know me."
Chavez answered that he was to him an entire stranger.
"I have," said the man, speaking in a low, confidential tone of voice, "became cognizant of certain facts, which it much concerns you, or at least your adopted daughter, Fanny Elder, to know."
For a few moments, Chavez was overcome with surprise.
"Concerns Fanny Elder! What do you mean, sir?"
"Precisely what I say. There has been a great fraud committed; and I know all the ins and the outs of it!"
"By whom?" asked Chavez.
"Ah!" replied the visitor, "that we will come to after a while."
"Upon whom, then?"
"Upon the estate of Ruben Elder, the father of your adopted daughter."
Not liking either the man's appearance or manner, Chavez said, after a moment's reflection —
"Why have you called to see me?"
"To give the information I have indicated — provided, of course, that you desire to have it."
"On what terms do you propose to act in this matter? Let us understand each other in the beginning."
"I can put you in the way of recovering for Miss Elder, from twenty to a hundred thousand dollars, out of which she has been cheated. But, before I give you any information on the subject, I shall require an honorable pledge on your part, as well as written agreement, to pay me twenty percent of the whole amount recovered. Will you give it?"
Chavez bent his head in thought for some moments. When he looked up he said —
"No, sir. I can make no compact with you of this kind."
"Very well, sir. That closes the matter," replied Martin, rising. "If you will not buy a fortune at so small a cost — then you deserve to be poor. How far your conscience is clear in respect to Miss Elder, is another matter. But, perhaps you don't credit what I say. Let me give you a single hint. Fanny Elder was missing once for three days. I had a hand in that affair. Do you think she was carried off, and taken to another city for nothing? If so, you are quite mistaken. But good day, sir. If you should, on reflection, change your mind, you can hear of me by calling at the office of Grindle, the lawyer."
"Good day," returned Chavez, showing not the least disposition to retain the man, toward whom he experienced a strong feeling of dislike and sense of repulsion.
Martin lingered a few moments, and then went out, leaving Chavez bewildered by a rush of new thoughts.
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