This seemed to calm the violence of Jaspar's feelings, and with a strong
effort he recovered his command of himself.
"My niece Is yet alive, is she?" said Jaspar, looking anxiously at the
overseer.
"Perhaps not; but probably she is."
"And it was not she that was buried?"
"As to that, I cannot say; I never saw the lady alive."
"And what are your plans?" asked Jaspar, with a glance of doubt at the
overseer.
"I will go to France, if you provide the means."
"Suppose I will not?"
"Perhaps your niece will."
"What if she is dead?"
"I can better tell when I know that she is dead."
"How much money do you require?"
"Twenty thousand."
"A large sum."
"From millions your niece would gladly give more."
"I will think of your proposition. Come in again in two hours, and you
shall have my answer."
"Better give me an answer now."
"I wish to consider."
"You have only to choose between twenty thousand dollars and the whole
fortune. With your means at command, much reflection is not needed."
"Show me the papers, and I will decide at once.
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