Stella Rosevelt — page 302: what you’re looking at

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

296 “7 LOVE HIM STILL.” - ‘Are you?” Star asked, in surprise. ‘‘Is it not a sudden departure?” | Ee on a ~ “Rather. I had hoped to remain a week longer.” ‘Surely your sister does not accompany you? I should miss her sorely ; I should regret to lose her more than | can tell you.” : ’ The young man’s face fell. //e had not been included in her regret. But he rallied, and said, lightly : _ “My sister is highly favored, Miss Gladstone; but I had flattered myself that I also should be missed.” ‘Pardon me, if my words conveyed to you the idea that you would not,” Star said, quickly. ‘‘You have been most kind, Mr. Meredith, and I shall most rend miss your companion- ship and your friendly attentions. ” friendly attentions ! Mr. Meredith had received another stab. ‘‘But,” she added, ‘‘will Grace go with you? You have not yet told me, and I have not heard her say anything about leaving.” She hoped thus to ward off what she feared was coming, and turn the conversation in another channel. Os ‘“‘No; Grace will remain for another week. But, Miss Glad- seme Star. he began, desperately, ‘‘I could not leave with- out seeking this private interview with you to learn my fate. You have talled my attentions ‘friendly.’ Have you not real- ized that they have been vastly more than that? Have you not seen that I have grown to love you madly, idolatrously? You are modest as a violet, my bright Star; and although I have tried to win some sign of answering affection from you, yet you have not given me one. You have evaded my every look, my every word. of love. But, my beautiful darling, it seems as if my true heart musf find in yours a fond return. You will tell me to-night, will you not, dear, that you will give yourself to me? Star, how shall I tell you of the depth of my love?—how (E(0) Eomichbooks