CHAPTER XIII.
A GLAD MEETING.
Back and forth every day from Yonkers, patiently and uncomplainingly, went Star Gladstone to her school, glad to pursue her studies and music at any cost or sacrifice.
This occupied nine long hours of five days in the week, and, weary as she was upon her return, she always devoted what time she could to the white-haired old gentleman who watched her depart with a sigh, waited eagerly for her return, and who brightened so visibly when she appeared.
One day, after school, Star had an errand at a music store, and was detained so long by the slow movement of the clerk who waited upon her, that she was obliged to hurry with all her strength to catch her train.
She entered the station breathless, just as the last bell rang and the cars began to move.
Hoping to overtake it even then, she ran for it, her small feet barely touching the ground as she sped over it. She reached the last car, put forth her hand to lay hold upon the railing and spring upon the steps, when a firm grasp upon her arms from behind rendered her efforts fruitless, and a deep, rich voice said:
“Young lady, pardon me the liberty I take, but that is a very dangerous experiment.”
The train was gone. Mr. Rosevelt would look for her in vain when it came in, but Star could not regret it, although she had exerted every nerve to catch it, for she would know that voice no matter where she heard it; and, with a vivid flush leaping to her cheeks, her pulses thrilling with excitement and delight, she turned quickly to find herself face to face with her whilom compagnon de voyage—Archibald Sherbrooke!
His face lighted brilliantly in an instant as he recognized her, for although she had changed somewhat during the past year, growing lovelier than ever, he had never forgotten those star-like eyes, those waves of soft, golden hair shading her forehead, nor that sweetly smiling, scarlet mouth.
“Miss Gladstone!” he cried, putting out his hand to her. “I had no idea whom I was saving from committing such an act of imprudence when I saw you about to leap upon that moving train; but I am doubly glad now that my presumption prevented you from doing anything so rash, and gave me this unexpected pleasure.”