“Der fraulein shall do shust vat she pleases—I can refuse her notting to-day; but,” he added, assuming a business-like air, “let her mind dot she keep her fingers right and der time goot.”
Star settled down at once to her work with such earnestness of purpose that she really outshone herself, executing her brilliant and difficult exercises in a way that would have done credit to the composer himself.
“Verra goot—excellent goot! Der heart is glad, her hopes are bright, and der work is well done. Miss Gladstone, in six months I teach you notting more; you go to Germany—to Italy, to study,” he said, his face beaming with satisfaction at her proficiency.
Star thanked him with her brightest smile for his praise, and then left him with a light heart; and when she reached the place appointed as the rendezvous by Mr. Rosevelt and Mr. Sherbrooke, this latter gentleman also thought her the fairest object he had ever seen, and knew that, as he clasped her small hand, his eyes were betraying that old, old story of which his heart was so full.
The sail down the river was even more charming than they had anticipated. The day was perfect, the air being just cool enough to be exhilarating, while our trio of friends were in a mood to enjoy everything in the way of pleasure that might present itself.
They reached the island about noon, when Mr. Sherbrooke, ordering a carriage, they drove directly to Manhattan Beach Hotel, where they partook of a sumptuous dinner, and thus fortified, sallied forth to enjoy the beauties and attractions all about them.
A couple of hours were spent in visiting the different objects of interest, and then Mr. Rosevelt said that he should be obliged to give up and take a rest.
So Mr. Sherbrooke ordered a room for him at the hotel, and he went to “take a nap,” while the young man, with a feeling of exultation that now he should have Star all to himself, took a carriage for a long drive upon the beach.
For miles and miles they drove over the smooth, hard road, both in their happiest mood, and giving themselves up to the enjoyment of the hour.
Every moment spent in Star’s society only served to entangle our young English friend more securely in the meshes of love’s net; while she began to realize that the world would never be quite the same again to her when he should be gone and no prospect of their meeting again.