“My dear, do I not owe my life and all that I am at present enjoying to you?” he asked, gravely. “Remember,” he added, “that when you are happy I am happy also, and vice versa; whatever cloud darkens your sky is sure to bring sorrow to me also; so let us make the most of our lives while we have them.”
Star looked up brightly after Mr. Rosevelt’s last remark, and glancing archly from him to Miss Meredith, said:
“Well, if so much depends upon my decision—if I hold the fate of two such important people in my hands, I shall be obliged to say, we will go to California and be happy. But,” she added, laughing, “I warn you both beforehand that I shall not be easily satiated; I shall want to go everywhere and see everything. Yes; we will go home and rest a week, then turn our faces toward the ‘golden gate,’ and—‘westward, ho!’”
CHAPTER XXXII.
“I PROMISE.”
On returning to New York, Star learned that Ralph Meredith had sailed for Europe a couple of days before their arrival.
The week that they had promised themselves for rest at home proved to be a busy one instead, for considerable preparation was necessary for the long journey they were contemplating, as it was to occupy three or four months.
Star was glad to be at home again, and went flitting about the house, full of business and life.
One day they were out making a few necessary purchases, when suddenly, in one of the stores, they came upon Mr. Richards.
He looked aged and care-worn, neglected and unhappy. His face lighted with momentary pleasure, however, when he caught sight of Mr. Rosevelt and Star, and he came forward to greet them with extended hand.
“I cannot tell you how glad I am to see you once more,” he said, heartily. “I am not going to reproach you either for running away from us, for, unpleasant as it is for me to say it, I could not blame you under the circumstances. But it is only within a week or two that I have learned of the change in your life; and, Uncle Jacob, I am sincerely glad that you did not lose your fortune, as we supposed.”