For a long time, she had noticed, he had been more respectful whenever the name of the Deity had been uttered in his presence, while, when he had accompanied her to Sabbath services, he had listened attentively, even reverently to what was said.
Looking back to that dark night on the angry waters, when she had first met him, and remembering his sneers at her trust in the “All Father,” and his bitter, skeptical retorts, she was surprised at the change that had gradually come over him; and now, to her amazement, he had confessed to a “hope” for eternity.
It was the one drop too many in her cup of joy, and it instantly overflowed in happy, thankful tears, and in a low-voiced pean of gratitude.
A month, Lord Carrol said, was all the time that he could allow his fair bride-elect to prepare to become Lady Carrol.
“But I have so much to do!” Star objected, with crimson cheeks.
“Then you must increase your forces,” he answered, with a fond smile. “I know that it is ‘etiquette’ to let the lady name the day, but considering all things, I think I ought to have that privilege. Darling, we have been separated so long that I do not feel like living without you a day more than is actually necessary. My mother wants you to come to her in Belgrave Square, and remain as her guest, while she and Vivien will assist about the wonderful trousseau, which they consider indispensable for the occasion under discussion.”
It was of no use for Star to make objections, for they were every one overruled, and it was at length decided that Lord Carrol should have his way, and she went to Belgrave Square for the intervening month.
Mr. Meredith was cordially urged to remain in London until after the wedding, and as Grace had been sent for to act as bride-maid, and a pair of clear gray eyes had earnestly seconded the appeal, he could not refuse.
He bore this “blighting” of all his previous “hopes” with wonderful equanimity, however, and ere the eventful day arrived that was to make Star a bride, he had won a promise from lovely Vivien Sherbrooke that at the end of another year she would become his wife.