Placing her arm around Star's waist, without a word, she drew Star along in her walk, looking dreamily, and seeing nothing, save what the illusive eye might see in the distance. Star returned the friendly embrace of Edith, and with their arms around each other, the two walked and walked, both silent. Edith silent over what she was pondering on, Star silent over what she feared was an unnatural mental balance. "Are you ill today, Edith?" asked Star. "Oh, no, Star; I am feeling very well today," replied Edith. "But you are so quiet and unresponsive that I can't quite make you out," said Star. Then leading Star to the window where she sat with her father the day before, Edith asked her to sit down that she might have a word with her. "Star," she said, seriously, relenting in her purpose to keep her secret longer, "what you told me two nights ago I have discovered to be too true--at least in a circumstantial way," said Edith. "Why, then, haven't you told me, Edith, so that I could have a fellow-feeling for you?" asked Star. "Papa requested me to keep it a secret till he returns; which I should do. But, deary, you know I am like you, it is hard to keep a secret," said Edith, still uncertain whether to proceed farther. "Now, my dear Edith! I never tell anybody any secrets but you, and you tell them to nobody else, and you never tell any to me, so that is as far as yours ever get." "Star. I must refreshen your memory a little," said Edith, playfully. "I am not scolding you, you know; but just reminding you a little. Now, didn't you tell Mr. Winthrope something?" "Well, wasn't he entitled to it?" said Star, laughing. "Then you won't, in this instance, tell anybody?" "No--o--hope'm'die," returned Star, crossing her breast. "Papa has gone to New York to intercept Monroe." "Has he?" said Star, with wide eyes. "Monroe, then, has gone?" "Went yesterday morning before papa reached his office. Papa learned some things that substantiated what Mr. Dieman told you, and, putting everything together, he became convinced of the truthfulness of the stratagem of that man Monroe to bring Mr. Winthrope into disrepute. Star, had Monroe succeeded in his designs before I had learned the true status of affairs, I should not have believed anything against him; but now that I have been forewarned, I shall never lose faith in his honor and integrity. Star, I told papa of my love for him, which papa did not accept pleasantly at first, thinking I was in fun, or doing it as a lark to tease him; but when he realized I was never more serious, he called him a fine, perfect young man, and was pleased. There, Star, I have told you what has been on my mind since yesterday. Am I a goosey still?" "You are a little dove, Edith," said Star, sweetly. "Star, I should like to see Mr. Dieman," said Edith, changing the subject. "Can you have him come here?" "I may; but it is doubtful." "I would go to him, if I could."