Never had so much wealth and luxury been represented there, or so many elegant equipages seen driving through the streets or along the smooth, sweeping beach.
Not the least attractive among these equipages was the light and airy, though costly phaeton of “Mr. Rosevelt’s ward,” with its embroidered lap-robes, its luxurious velvet-cushioned seats, its plump, sleek, and spirited gray ponies in their gold-mounted harnesses.
Star had created quite a sensation when she arrived at the hotel where they had taken rooms; and the tall, distinguished old gentleman, with such silvery hair and beard, and who appeared so devoted to her, was scarcely less a target for all eyes. But when it began to be whispered that Miss Gladstone was not only the heiress of Jacob Rosevelt, the millionaire, but also the authoress of that bright little book which for a year had created such a sensation in New York circles, the excitement increased, and everybody was on the qui vive to obtain an introduction.
When, on the second evening after her arrival, she came into the great parlors of the hotel—for there was to be a grand hop or assembly there that night—leaning on Mr. Rosevelt’s arm, and looking “so divinely fair” in her shimmering robe of cream-colored silk and mist-like tulle, garnished with velvet-leaved, golden-hearted pansies, her shining hair coiled like a crown about her small head, with a little cluster of pansies nestling lovingly among its glossy plaits, every eye was attracted by her loveliness, and everybody—of the masculine gender, at least—was ready to “rave over” her, “swear by” her, and “fight for” her if need be.
It is needless to say that she was not allowed to become a wall-flower, and it was amusing to observe the maneuvers of the battalion of gallant young knights who swarmed about her, like bees around their queen, eager to secure an introduction.
And now the excitement for Star began.
She was whisked away to the ball-room, and the evening sped like a vision of delight.
She had been taught to dance at home, notwithstanding the fact that her father was a clergyman, for in all English homes dancing is considered a necessary accomplishment, because it imparts ease and grace to the manners of the young.
Mr. Rosevelt followed, for he enjoyed looking upon the merry dancers, and taking up his station near a window, and by a stand of flowers where he was partially shielded from observation, he watched his pet with a fond smile upon his lips, proud of her beauty, proud of her intelligence and of the admiration she was attracting.
While standing here, a group of half a dozen ladies and gentlemen gathered near him, and he overheard a conversation which amused him, and caused at the same time something of a feeling of triumph to pervade his heart.