Mr. Richards compressed his lips at this. It did not please him that all the young girl’s interests should be thus slightingly ignored; but he said nothing, although his thoughts were busy during the remainder of the meal, and as soon as it was completed he repaired to his library and rang his bell.
“Send Miss Gladstone to me,” he said to the servant who answered his summons.
Star received the command, wondering what it meant, and went down, with some trepidation, to obey it.
She was almost like an alien in that house, living so apart from the family, and so rarely encountering any of them; but she possessed a sunny, even disposition, and although she often grieved over the neglect she experienced, and yearned for love and sympathy, yet she would not allow herself to brood over it; thus she was always sweet and genial in her temperament.
As she entered the library this morning, Mr. Richards looked up and smiled with pleasure.
She was so fresh, and bright, and lovely that it was a delight to look upon her.
“I have received a card for the closing exercises of your school to-day,” he said, pleasantly. “I think I should like to attend, if I can make it convenient. How have you been progressing?”
“Professor Roberts has been kind enough to say that I have done very well. You know I did not enter until nearly the middle of the second term,” Star modestly replied, while her cheeks glowed and her eyes shone with pleasure that he should manifest this interest in her welfare.
“Do you have any particular part in the exercises to-day?” he questioned.
“Yes, sir. I have a programme here in my pocket; perhaps you would like to see it?” and she drew it forth, laying it upon the table before him.