Part 42 (2/2)
said Star.
Then leading Star to the window where she sat with her father the day before, Edith asked her to sit down that she might have a word with her.
”Star,” she said, seriously, relenting in her purpose to keep her secret longer, ”what you told me two nights ago I have discovered to be too true--at least in a circ.u.mstantial way,” said Edith.
”Why, then, haven't you told me, Edith, so that I could have a fellow-feeling for you?” asked Star.
”Papa requested me to keep it a secret till he returns; which I should do. But, deary, you know I am like you, it is hard to keep a secret,”
said Edith, still uncertain whether to proceed farther.
”Now, my dear Edith! I never tell anybody any secrets but you, and you tell them to n.o.body else, and you never tell any to me, so that is as far as yours ever get.”
”Star. I must refreshen your memory a little,” said Edith, playfully. ”I am not scolding you, you know; but just reminding you a little. Now, didn't you tell Mr. Winthrope something?”
”Well, wasn't he ent.i.tled to it?” said Star, laughing.
”Then you won't, in this instance, tell anybody?”
”No--o--hope'm'die,” returned Star, crossing her breast.
”Papa has gone to New York to intercept Monroe.”
”Has he?” said Star, with wide eyes. ”Monroe, then, has gone?”
”Went yesterday morning before papa reached his office. Papa learned some things that substantiated what Mr. Dieman told you, and, putting everything together, he became convinced of the truthfulness of the stratagem of that man Monroe to bring Mr. Winthrope into disrepute.
Star, had Monroe succeeded in his designs before I had learned the true status of affairs, I should not have believed anything against him; but now that I have been forewarned, I shall never lose faith in his honor and integrity. Star, I told papa of my love for him, which papa did not accept pleasantly at first, thinking I was in fun, or doing it as a lark to tease him; but when he realized I was never more serious, he called him a fine, perfect young man, and was pleased. There, Star, I have told you what has been on my mind since yesterday. Am I a goosey still?”
”You are a little dove, Edith,” said Star, sweetly.
”Star, I should like to see Mr. Dieman,” said Edith, changing the subject. ”Can you have him come here?”
”I may; but it is doubtful.”
”I would go to him, if I could.”
”He has a young man named Eli Jerey, who transacts business matters for him. He might be summoned. Mr. Dieman places implicit confidence in him.
Everything now must be conveyed through him to Mr. Dieman, I am told. I have seen Mr. Jerey; and I can have him called here to see you for whatever you might want to impose upon Mr. Dieman.”
”Is Mr. Dieman so exclusive as that?” asked Edith.
”He is, indeed, Edith. Since his marriage to mother, he has set up in great state, and does nothing but look after his family affairs personally, and transacts other affairs by the way of Mr. Jerey.”
”You will vouch for his trustworthiness? at least you can promise that much through what Mr. Dieman represents him to be?”
”Oh, yes; whatever Mr. Dieman says can be relied on.”
”Then you may have Mr. Jerey call here at eight o'clock this evening, if he can come.”
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