Stella Rosevelt — page 262: what you’re looking at

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

256 WHAT NEXT? have a pair of ponies and a phaeton of the most approved style; and, in fact, little girl, it will take you a good while to find the bottom of my purse. But how do you like your tea- service? I chose it myself, and had it marked expressly for you.” ‘Tt is perfectly lovely,” Star replied, as her eyes roved ad- miringly over the beautiful and costly equipage, upon each piece of which there gleamed a star in delicate frost-work. __ “‘I’m glad you like it. And now, my dear, suppose you open that small box by your plate.” Star gave him a wondering look—indeed, all her looks had been wondering ones during the last hour—and opened a little white box, which had until now lain unnoticed beside her plate. She found inside a morocco case, and springing back the lid of this, an elegant little watch and chatelaine were exposed to her delighted eyes. ‘Uncle Jacob! I cannot tell whether I am awake or dream- ing,” she cried, a rosy flush spreading over her whole face. ‘‘It is the dearest little watch in the world. And is this star on the case made of diamonds?” | ‘*Yes; diamonds are none too good for my star.” ‘And you had this waiting for me, even when we were talk- ing about my having a watch while we were driving?” ‘Yes; I was only sounding you a little to see if you would like a watch best or something else. Now, if you are through, put it in your belt and come with me,” he said, rising from the table. | She followed his example, and together they passed from the beautiful dining-room out into the hall, and thence to another room on the front of the house, which was fitted up as half library, half music-room. In it there stood a new Steinway piano, with a richly carved case and pearl keys. The handsome bookcases, each sur- Gomicbooks. Go