Stella Rosevelt — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

- A. CONSULTATION. 71 on that Star will never abuse your indulgence,” Mr. Richards said, generously. ‘*And who may ‘Star’ be?” demanded his wife, scornfully. ‘‘Why, Stella, of course—Star was the name, I suppose, by which she was known at home. Now, I insist,” he continued, with decision, ‘‘ that this child be given a fair chance.” ‘‘ How about retrenchment if you have wo fine young ladies to support instead of one?” sneered Mrs. Richards. ‘*Oh, bother! well make it up in some other way. I'll sell one of my horses; you can give up a new gown once in awhile.” ‘‘Not if I know myself, Mr. Richards. I do not intend that this girl shaJl interfere with my comfort in the least degree,” interrupted the lady, with a frown. ‘Well, we will manage in some way; but,” he added, be- ginning to get out of patience with her selfishness and heartless- ness, ‘‘I swear, if you won't promise to treat her considerately, and she repudiates you as her guardian, I will get her to choose me in your place, and I'l treat her like a young princess—send her to Vassar, or any other first-class school she may choose, regardless of the cost.” ‘‘George Richards,” cried his wife, with flashing eyes, ‘‘if you take up weapons against me in this way, | never will for- give you.” ‘‘Can't help it,” he retorted, coolly. ‘‘ I'll not have that girl made a eommon drudge of in this house while | am master here. How you could meditate such a thing for a moment is more than I can understand. Where is the gratitude for the life which her mother saved for you so many years ago?” Mrs. Richards started slightly. She had not intended that her husband should ever know of the debt which she owed Star's mother. ‘‘T suppose she had to twit you of that in order to gain her > point and make vou her champion,” she said, sarcastically. GOmiGbooks (€(0)