Stella Rosevelt — page 384: what you’re looking at

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

378 STELLA’S MENTAL AGONY. ‘“Yes, I am in excellent condition,” he confessed, with rising color, as he remembered how miserable he had been when he last saw her, and what had caused the change in his feelings and appearance. ‘‘How long have you been in London?” he queried. | “Only a week,” Mr. Rosevelt answered. ‘‘Wasn’t it a sudden start?” ‘‘Rather. Iam here just now ona matter of business, but we intend to see something of this side of the world before we go back,” the old gentleman explained, with a smile. ‘“We hoped we should find you somewhere on our travels, for a familiar face makes the heart of the stranger glad, you. know,’ Star said. ‘‘I received a letter from Grace to-day, and she writes: ‘Be sure and hunt up Ralph, who is, without doubt, in London now.’ But who is that pretty young lady across the room with the blush-roses in her hair, and with whom I saw you talking as I came in?” Mr. Meredith flushed again at this; but his eyes kindled as he glanced over at Vivien, and replied: ‘‘Oh, that is an acquaintance that I have made since com- ing here. Come, and let me introduce you.” He purposely avoided mentioning her name, wishing to see how Star would receive the introduction. As he turned to lead the way to Vivien, she looked up at Mr. Rosevelt and smiled archly. He understood her, and gently patted the hand on his arm, while he nodded his head, and said, dryly: ‘He'll do, my young lady, never fear.” ‘‘ Miss Sherbrooke, allow me to make you acquainted with Miss Gladstone, a friend from beyond the sea; also Mr. Rose- velt. Miss Gladstone, Mr. Rosevelt—Miss Sherbrooke.” Ralph Meredith watched Star closely while he introduced and she exchanged greetings with Archibald Sherbrooke’s sister; and although she might have appeared self-possessed Gomilchooks. Go