He made inquiries regarding her, and was told that some one had come for her and taken her away, but no one knew whither she had gone.
This relieved his mind somewhat as to her safety, but did not lessen his disappointment at thus losing sight of her and not knowing where to seek for her; but he was forced to go his way and bear it as he could.
Mrs. Blunt and her sad-hearted charge walked quickly from the steamer, and having no baggage, she immediately called a carriage, and hurrying Star into it, gave her order to be driven to a Brooklyn ferry.
Crossing the river, they took another carriage, and a half hour’s drive brought them to a stately dwelling in a fashionable portion of the city.
“There, child!” Mrs. Blunt ejaculated, as the carriage stopped; “we’re home, and I’m glad of it, for you’ve caused me a heap of anxiety first and last, or I’m much mistaken; but you’re safe and sound, thank Heaven, though you’re rather delicate-looking for what I imagine is before you;” this “much mistaken” individual prepared to alight, casting a look of honest pity into the face of the fair girl as she did so.
Star looked surprised at this somewhat ambiguous speech, and would have liked to ask what it meant, but the woman gave her no opportunity, paying for and dismissing the carriage in her quick, energetic way, and then led her around to a side door and entered the mansion.
Beckoning Star to follow her, she passed through a lofty hall and up a wide, thickly carpeted staircase, where on every hand there were evidences of wealth and luxury.
Rapping upon a door at the front end of the upper hall, a voice bade her enter, and the woman opened it and passed in, and Star following, saw a handsome woman of perhaps forty years, dressed with great elegance and taste, sitting in a low rocker by a window.
She turned an inquiring glance upon Mrs. Blunt as she advanced. She could not see Star, as she was directly behind her and hidden by her tall figure.
“Well, madam, I’ve found her at last, and here she is,” she said, in a satisfied tone, and stepped one side to present the young girl.