Stella Rosevelt — page 70: what you’re looking at

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

64 STELLA’S APPEAL. A deep, manly voice bade her come in, and,she entered with a firm and decided tread. Mr. Richards was sitting at his desk, engaged in answeiies some business letters. Star had timed her visit to him, for she had watched and seen him go into the library after tea was over. He looked upas she closed the door behind her, and his face relaxed into a kind smile as he saw who it was. The girl had interested him in the morning by her beauty, grace, and intelligence, but he had been so busy during the day that he had scarcely thought of her since. . He did inquire for her at dinner, but there was company present, and his wife made some evasive reply. If the truth could have been known, she was rather reluctant to inform him what her intentions were regarding the young stranger. ‘(Do I interrupt you, sir?” Star asked, modestly, but with- out advancing beyond the threshold. ‘‘Not at all, Miss Star. Come here and sit down; I am just through,” he answered, heartily. She went and stood before him. She did not wish to sit down; she could say what she intended to tell him better standing, she thought. ‘“You spoke so kindly to me this morning,” she began, ‘that I have ventured to come to you for a little advice this evening,” Pd ‘“Spoke kindly to you! Why on earth shouldn't I speak kindly to you?” he asked, in surprise. Then noticing her pale, weary face, he continued : ‘What under the sun have you been doing to-day? You look tired to death.” Star tried to smile, but she felt more like dropping her face upon her hands and sobbing aloud. She controlled herself with an effort, however, and putting some of her papers upon the table beside him, said : (eCoy AAiCel exoKey <j (E(0)