“I certainly shall,” he replied, thinking that those clear gray eyes, looking so frankly and smilingly into his, were about as beautiful as any he had ever seen.
CHAPTER XXXV.
MRS. RICHARDS’ GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
The following day Mr. Meredith, according to his promise, went to dine with Lord Carrol at his mother’s elegant mansion near Belgrave Square.
After the meal was over, and the other guests comfortably disposed of, Archie took his friend up into the “sanctum,” as he called it, for a smoke and a quiet talk.
If Lord Carrol suspected anything of the feeling which Ralph had entertained for Star, he gave no sign, but confided to him, as they sat there together, more of his hopes and plans for the future, and spoke with much more of freedom regarding Star than he had done the day before.
When they had finished their cigars, Lord Carrol arose and said:
“Come inside, Mr. Meredith, and I will show you one of my treasures.”
He went back into his “sanctum,” followed by Ralph, and passing by all the beautiful paintings, drawings, and engravings which hung upon the walls, he walked to an easel which stood in a corner, and removing a cloth that covered it, stepped back for his friend to look.
Ralph Meredith gave one look, and then exclaimed, in unfeigned surprise:
“Star!”