“Maggie Flynn, I understand,” Star went on, gathering courage as she noted his surprise, “was a sort of chamber and waiting-maid, and Mrs. Richards says that I am henceforth to perform her duties. I cannot tell you,” she continued, earnestly, “how repulsive such a life would be to me—to give up all my hopes, to forget, in the ceaseless routine of such an existence, all that I have already acquired; and I have come to appeal to you—to ask you if you will not try and persuade your wife to allow me to continue my studies? I am willing to work, and work hard, but I _must_ have some time to improve and develop my mind. There are plenty of girls who can be employed in my place”—Star did not know of the curtailing business—“and who do not care for an education. Papa authorized a friend of his to dispose of his library and our household goods, and give the proceeds to me, after paying all bills. I have a letter of credit to the amount of a hundred pounds. I do not know the expense of schooling in this country, but could I not be sent to some institution for a year or two, and take this money to pay for it? I should be fitted by the end of that time, I think, to teach, and could relieve Mrs. Richards of all responsibility regarding my support.” Mr. Richards’ face was very stern when the young girl concluded, and Star, looking into it, felt almost frightened at what she had done. But she reasoned that her situation could not be much worse than it already was, and it demanded desperate measures. CHAPTER VII. A CONSULTATION. “What have you been doing to-day?” Mr. Richards asked, in cold, stern tones, after what seemed an interminable pause. Stella began to feel almost faint. That hard face, in which displeasure was the chief expression, did not look very promising for her cause; but she replied: “I have done all the chamber-work, swept and dusted five rooms, and waited upon Mrs. Richards.” “You are not accustomed to such work,” he said, glancing at her delicate hands. “Not to any such extent, sir. Mamma used to require me to take care of the music-room, besides my own, at home, for we could keep only one servant, and I _know how_ to sweep, and dust, and make beds,” Star concluded, with a slight smile. “I should say that you know a good many things for so young a lady,” Mr. Richards said, kindly, for he saw that she was nervous over what she had been telling him. Then he added, more gravely: “I will consult with Mrs. Richards, and I think that we can arrange for you to pursue your education as you desire.” Star flushed. She knew well enough that a mere consultation with Mrs. Richards would not secure much for her, and that she would be very angry with her for having appealed to her husband, and she made up her mind on the spot to make a bold stroke for her freedom. So meeting his eyes in a frank, fearless way, yet speaking with the utmost respect, she said: