“Where did you get it, Uncle Jacob?” Star exclaimed, as he came forth from his chamber and asked her if she thought he’d do.
He smiled mysteriously, then said:
“I told you that I was not quite a beggar, dear, when I left my niece Ellen’s inhospitable roof, and so I’ve been saving up for this occasion, in order that I might do honor to you.”
“You are just as fine as you can be,” Star said, delightedly, as she went round and round him to examine the material and fashion of his new garments, “and I do not believe any one will be more proud of her escort to-night than I shall be; and yet,” she thought, “Uncle Jacob must have been very saving indeed to have been able to buy such an expensive suit.”
His eyes glowed with pleasure at her words; but when they entered the brilliantly lighted hall, and he saw the elegant toilets of some of the young ladies, he could not help regarding her with something of regret, although very many admiring eyes were fixed upon the arm of the stately, gray-haired gentleman, as they went forward to pay their respects to President Hunter and his corps of assistants.
“Miss Gladstone, I have a friend who desires to be presented to you,” said one of Star’s teachers, seeking her out later in the evening.
She led her toward a lady who was standing a little apart from them, and who appeared to be three or four years Star’s senior, and introduced her as Miss Meredith.
It was the visitor who had inquired so particularly regarding our heroine during the graduating exercises.
She was drawn toward her at once, and they were soon chatting as sociably as if they had been acquaintances of long standing.
While thus engaged, a gentleman approached them, greeting both young ladies in the most cordial manner.