"Poor dear; this day has been too much for you," said Star, leaning over and kissing Edith.
"Talk awhile, Star; then maybe I can sleep," said Edith.
"Shall I tell you about the wolf that comes to poor people's doors?" asked Star, jocularly.
"Oh, no; not so hideous a story as that, Star; I am nervous enough now," replied Edith.
"Then about the mouse that moved the mountain?"
"That is a fable, Star; something real!"
"Then about the man as old as Adam, who asked a maid of twenty-two to marry him?"
"He did not ask me, Star. Do you believe he was in earnest?"
"I think he is a sham, Edith," replied Star; "and I think he was in earnest. Now, Edith, if I tell you what was pledged to me in secrecy, will you not tell where it came from? Yes, you will. When I was home today, Mr. Dieman told me that Mr. Monroe is going to New York for the purpose of causing Mr. Winthrope trouble before he should ever get home to see you again. I should have told you this, Edith, before now; but seeing how nervous you were all evening, I thought it well to put it off till tomorrow; or till you get better."
Star ceased, yawned, and became quiet.