Stella Rosevelt — page 220: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

214 FRUITLESS EFFORTS. Mr. Richards made this confession with a lowering brow and in a stern tone. ‘‘T 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 Iam here as a suitor for Miss Richards’ hand. I trust, however, that there has been no such misunderstanding as this. J 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 in- vited me to make one of a party here, and I accepted her in- vitation—I give you my word of honor upon it—with only thoughts of friendship and the fleasure 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 miscon- strued, or placed Miss Richards in an awkward position.” The young mans face shone with a look of real concern as he concluded, and Mr. Richards. was convinced that, notwith- standing his wife had asserted that he would propose to Jose- phine, he had never entertained any serious intentions regard- ing her. “It is all right, my young friend,” he responded, heartily, and feeling great respect for him for his straizhtforwardness. ‘‘T 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 (E(0) Gomicbooks