“Then you must increase your forces,” he answered, with a fond smile. “I know that it is ‘etiquette’ to let the lady name the day, but considering all things, I think I ought to have that privilege. Darling, we have been separated so long that I do not feel like living without you a day more than is actually necessary. My mother wants you to come to her in Belgrave Square, and remain as her guest, while she and Vivien will assist about the wonderful trousseau, which they consider indispensable for the occasion under discussion.” It was of no use for Star to make objections, for they were every one overruled, and it was at length decided that Lord Carrol should have his way, and she went to Belgrave Square for the intervening month. Mr. Meredith was cordially urged to remain in London until after the wedding, and as Grace had been sent for to act as bride-maid, and a pair of clear gray eyes had earnestly seconded the appeal, he could not refuse. He bore this “blighting” of all his previous “hopes” with wonderful equanimity, however, and ere the eventful day arrived that was to make Star a bride, he had won a promise from lovely Vivien Sherbrooke that at the end of another year she would become his wife. “Fickle!” did I hear some fair reader ejaculate in a tone of contempt? Well, perhaps he was; but then when he had been so heart-broken over Star’s rejection he did not know that there was a Vivien Sherbrooke in the world. We are always disappointed, often unreasonably so, when we cannot get what we want, and perhaps his passion for our heroine was not quite so intense as he had imagined it to be. However, be that as it may, Lord Carrol’s fair sister had convinced him that “Taking the year together, my dear, There isn’t more cloud than sun.” And he had concluded to spend the remainder of his life basking in the sunlight of her presence. Mrs. Richards, with her family, lost no time in returning to America after this crushing disappointment. They could not remain and face the people to whom they had proudly boasted of their future greatness, nor could they bear to look upon Star’s happiness and triumph over them; while, besides all this, they were greatly cramped in purse, after the extravagant outlay which Mrs. Richards insisted was necessary for people with their expectations. Mr. Richards was very much depressed, for, to say nothing of the money which they had spent, he feared the worst from his long absence and neglect of business. He went to see Star and Jacob Rosevelt before they sailed; he could not leave without bidding them farewell, and assuring them of his gratitude and good-will. They received him most kindly, and he spent a pleasant hour with them. As he took Star’s hand at parting, he bent down and kissed her fair, upturned face, while great, regretful tears rolled down his cheeks.