Wednesdays and Saturdays, however, she went into New York to take her lesson, Mr. Richards having arranged with one of the first teachers for her instruction. In spite of Mr. Richards’ commands to the contrary, she persisted in doing many little things to assist Mrs. Blunt, although she was relieved from all regular duty. The housekeeper often demurred when Star offered her services. “You shall not spoil your hands, child,” she would say, with a fond glance at those delicate members; “I can get along as well alone now as I used to, or I’m much mistaken.” “Never mind my hands, Mrs. Blunt; I can’t practice all the time, and I must have some exercise. It is a pleasant change for me to help you once in awhile, and have a little cozy chat,” Star answered, heartily; and the woman, who, to say the least, did not have either an easy or pleasant time herself, was often beguiled into allowing her to have her own way, and was cheered in no small degree by her sunny face and gay chatter. “That girl’ll make her mark in the world, bless her heart! She’ll make a better and smarter woman than Miss Josephine, or I’m much mistaken,” she was wont to remark forty times a month to the cook, and she grew to love our gentle Star with an almost motherly affection. When not attending to her music, Star spent most of the time in her own room, and no one questioned as to how she occupied it; and although she continued to be ignored by the family when it was possible to do so, and snubbed and sneered at when it was not, she was comparatively happy, knowing that every day well spent was helping her on toward emancipation and independence. One day Mr. Richards came home with a very grave face and sought an audience with his wife. “I have a letter from your Uncle Jacob here,” he said, drawing one from his pocket as he spoke. Mrs. Richards’ face lighted instantly. “From Uncle Jacob? That is good news. Has he returned?” “Yes.” “How is the dear old man, and when is he coming to make us a visit?” she asked, with animation. “He is not at all well—has been having serious trouble with his head and eyes. He returned last fall, and since then has been visiting your brother in the West. Listen, and I will read you what he says: