“Well, the child says she is willing to be useful, but you are not fulfilling your agreement by making a drudge of her. Mr. Gladstone understood that you would give careful attention to her education, which he evidently has conducted upon the most thorough principles, and he expected that you would fill as far as possible his place toward her.”
“How do you know what I wrote to him? You did not see my letter,” demanded Mrs. Richards, angrily.
“I have seen it to-night. The girl has it, and showed it to me; and now I want you to live up to your promises,” replied her husband, gravely.
“She ought to be thankful that she has a roof to shelter her. Do you suppose I am going to allow her to interfere with Josephine’s rights?”
“Certainly not; but this girl is exceedingly bright and pretty; let them become mates and share alike, and I’ll wager that Star will never abuse your indulgence,” Mr. Richards said, generously.
“And who may ‘Star’ be?” demanded his wife, scornfully.
“Why, Stella, of course—Star was the name, I suppose, by which she was known at home. Now, I insist,” he continued, with decision, “that this child be given a fair chance.”
“How about retrenchment if you have two fine young ladies to support instead of one?” sneered Mrs. Richards.
“Oh, bother! we’ll make it up in some other way. I’ll sell one of my horses; you can give up a new gown once in awhile.”
“Not if I know myself, Mr. Richards. I do not intend that this girl shall interfere with my comfort in the least degree,” interrupted the lady, with a frown.