“Of the best,” Lord Carrol returned, decidedly. “She told me upon one occasion that her mother was a Miss Anna Chudleigh, of Chudleigh Manor, Devonshire. I know something of them, and they were a fine family, although I have been told that they were very much displeased at the marriage of their only daughter with a clergyman of limited means. But—have I your sanction to prosecute my suit with Miss Gladstone, and will you arrange an interview for me?” “Certainly; I shall do what you wish, and I must say that I am glad that things are turning out so well for Star. _I_ have been very fond of her, for she is a bright and winsome little body about the house. She is talented, too, to say nothing of her beauty, and she will make you a good wife. I congratulate you both, and there is my hand on it, my lord,” Mr. Richards concluded, heartily, and extending his hand to the young peer, which he took and cordially shook. But Mrs. Richards, her heart filled with bitterest rage, felt as if she could have strangled her husband with a good relish for taking such an interest in Star’s prospects, while the gorgeous air-castle which his own daughter had built was tumbling to the ground about his ears. Mr. Richards then rose. “I suppose you are anxious to see Star at once?” he said. “Yes, if you please. I desire to make my peace with her as soon as possible, for I know that she is deeply wounded, and I cannot rest until she knows the truth.” “Very well; I will go to her, and send her to the library. You will be free from intrusion there,” Mr. Richards said, and immediately left the room in search of Star. He came back very soon, however, saying that she had not returned to her room, and no one had seen her that day save Mrs. Blunt, who told him that she had been very ill, and not able to attend school. Lord Carrol’s face fell at this information, and he realized more forcibly than ever what Star must have suffered from this unfortunate misunderstanding. “Perhaps it will be best for me to wait until to-morrow morning,” he said, after a moment of thought. “She appeared so greatly excited when I met her this evening, and has been so ill all day, it may be well for her to get rest before exciting her any further. Yes, I will wait,” he concluded, with a sigh, for he was deeply disappointed and anxious. “Is Mr. Rosevelt a member of your family also?” he asked, after a moment, and suddenly remembering that Star had told him they were inmates of the same house. “Yes; well, not exactly a member of my family,” Mr. Richards returned, flushing over this, another awkward question. “He is my wife’s uncle, and one of us; but his health is so poor, and noise affects him so unpleasantly, that he prefers to have a room at the lodge rather than here where there is so much gayety and confusion.” Mrs. Richards, still an eavesdropper, heaved another comfortable sigh over this rough place made smooth.