“I judged that she was not happy here from something that she dropped last night,” Lord Carrol said, gravely. “And,” he added, with evident embarrassment, “it is a delicate topic to touch upon, but I believe plain dealing is best—she also stated that it is generally believed in your household that I am here as a suitor for Miss Richards’ hand. I trust, however, that there has been no such misunderstanding as this. I enjoyed a very pleasant month at Long Branch with both your wife and daughter. Perhaps I sought their society more than might have been deemed proper unless I had serious intentions; but this was owing to the fact that I discovered Mrs. Richards to be of English birth, and knowing something of her friends abroad, it seemed to become a bond between us, out of which a friendship naturally sprung. Mrs. Richards very kindly invited me to make one of a party here, and I accepted her invitation—I give you my word of honor upon it—with _only_ thoughts of friendship and the pleasure of meeting congenial company, and with the intention, if she ever came abroad, of returning her hospitality in the same spirit. I hope—I trust, my dear sir, that my coming here thus has not been misconstrued, or placed Miss Richards in an awkward position.” The young man’s face shone with a look of real concern as he concluded, and Mr. Richards was convinced that, notwithstanding his wife had asserted that he would propose to Josephine, he had never entertained any serious intentions regarding her. “It is all right, my young friend,” he responded, heartily, and feeling great respect for him for his straightforwardness. “I am satisfied that you have been perfectly honorable, although I must confess that I was greatly astonished last night to learn that Star was the object of your affection. I regret sincerely the misunderstanding that has arisen between you, but we will do what we can to find the missing girl, and I trust that then it will not take long to effect a reconciliation.” “Thank you,” the young lord said, but he looked very grave, for he did not feel as if it would be a very easy matter to find Star. He knew that underneath her usual gentleness and sweetness there lay a strength of purpose and determination which would lead her to do thoroughly whatever she undertook, and if she had gone away to hide from him it would take both patience and sagacity to find her. However, he resolved to devote all his time before the day set for his return should arrive in searching for her; and acting at once upon this decision, he sought Mrs. Richards and Josephine, telling them that, much as he regretted doing so, he should be obliged to cut his visit short, as business of importance called him unexpectedly away.