"I am the gal," returned Star, laughing. "Well! how time makes changes in this world," he responded, looking her over carefully, hardly believing that the pretty face of Star's, with pretty gown to match, could possibly be the same. "It beats all; and you are the sister of all of Mr. Dieman's children?" "Mrs. Dieman's children," she corrected. "Yes, that's it--I know your sister May," he said, with a smile. "Do you, really?" said Star. "I call on him often, and see her, sometimes--she's a dandy," he said. "A fine girl," corrected Edith. "Yes; mighty fine," he answered, as he crossed his gloved hands over the head of his cane standing perpendicularly in front of him, and putting his chin down upon them, as if posing as a rejuvenated old man "by the wayside on a mossy stone," looking steadily at them both. "And you are May's sister? Well!" "I have that honor," replied Star. "Well! Who would think it? You are so much poortier," he said, quietly and naturally, without intending to be impertinent. Star blushed at first; but in a moment became vexed, and looked very black at him; that is, as black as she could look, for no matter how she tempered up, not much sign of her resentment was ever evidenced in her face. Edith was astonished at his rudeness, and glanced at Star for an explanation of the bold manner of this young man. Eli, in his transparent innocence, did not feel the effects of their interchange of glances, and was not disturbed. Anticipating that he might precipitate a scene by an unfortunate remark, Edith took up the subject that had caused her to have him present. "Mr. Jerey," she began, faltering in her speech, "you are Mr. Dieman's agent, I understand?" "I am," he replied, loftily. "Do you know Mr. Monroe?" "I do." "Do you know Mr. Morne?" "I do--he's a scamp." "Do you know Mr. Yenger?" "I do--he's another scamp." "Do you know my father?" "Not personally." "Do you know Jacob Cobb?" "I do--he's a--" "Do you know Jasper Cobb?" "I do--he's an--" "Do you know James Dalls?" "I do--he's a--" "Well, now; has Mr. Dieman decided to continue keeping company with these people?" asked Edith, warming to her subject. "For what reason do you ask?" he asked, eyeing her closely, so much so that Edith was discomfitted by his sharp stare. "It is a matter that concerns me personally, Miss Barton here, and my father," she answered. "That's not very informing," he replied. "Do you know Mr. John Winthrope, my father's former secretary?" she asked. "I never saw him--don't recall that I ever heard of him--yes, believe so--didn't Mr. Dieman speak to me once about him? (asking himself)--yes, believe he did. Well, what of him?" "Do you know whether Mr. Dieman bears ill-will against him yet?"