Star, or, Her cross and her crown

Chapter I

“Aunt Nell, do come and see her — she is so pretty! Look ! she seems to know I am speaking about her, tor she is looking right straight at me. Her sweet smile and her lovely eyes tell me she loves me as much as I do her.”

“Well, I declare, Nora, you are the queerest child I ever heard speak! How can you say you like each other, when you are perfect strangers ? ”

“I — I don’t know, Aunt Nell; but I think I must have seen her somewhere, for indeed I do love her.”

“There, Nora, look! Now show me the one you love ! I think there is a difference in the color of their dresses, otherwise their mother must find it difficult to distinguish one from the other.”

“That is true, Aunt Nell. I did not notice her when she joined my friend ; they do look very much alike.”

“ Your friend ! How so ? Do you really know them, and yet never told me of it?”

“No, indeed; I have never even seen them before. Why should I not tell you if I had ? ”

“Nora, child, do not misunderstand me. I do not mean to infer that you would deceive me; it merely occurred to me that you might have considered it of no importance, and something in which I would not be interested.”

“ Aunt Nell, I thought you had more faith in me than to think I could so easily forget my promises. Did I not promise my guardian that I would tell you everything that happened to me from 4 dawn to dawn/ even to my every thought?”

u Yes, I know — but — you see — I want to — in fact, I would like — oh, my, what a child you are ! gazing at me as if I were some monstrous curiosity, your eyes open to their widest extent, your lips parted, as if awaiting your sentence. Come, little one, give me a kiss; I shall never doubt you again. Run tell the cook it is near tea-time ; your uncle will soon be home.”

Pressing a kiss on Nora’s brow, sighing deeply as the dark forebodings of Nora’s future flashed through her brain, she was about to dismiss her little niece, when suddenly she finds her neck imprisoned by two little arms, a warm, velvety cheek pressed in loving entreaty against her own, and hears a sweet voice coaxing in its most persuasive manner :

“ Now, Aunt Nell, won’t you, like a good, dear aunt, let my friend come to see me? Just think, dearie, I am all alone when you go out ; all I have to do is to sit by the window and watch the little girls go past with their friends, and feel sad to think I have none. I know you will let my new friend come to see me. I am sure you will like her. I am just going to hug you until you say yes ! ”

Who could refuse so simple a boon? Most assuredly not Aunt Nell. Two years had scarcely passed since she had been bereft of her four little ones, all within a few weeks of each other, during an epidemic which swept over the village she had taken refuge in for their sakes to escape the city’s sultry, unhealthy atmosphere. Her loving heart poured forth its wealth upon her orphaned niece. Little wonder that she was about to consent to that which her judgment cautioned her against.

“Nora, Nora,” — with a sigh — “are you not satisfied without making new friends and acquaintances? You will be going South in a few months to the Ursuline

Convent, or at least that is your guardian’s intention at present ; so what is the use of forming new friends?”

“Oh, Aunt Nell! may be she would go with me; then, you see, I would not feel strange in the convent, as I would already know somebody. Wouldn’t that be splendid ! ”

“ What a lawyer you would make if you were only a boy ! I see you are determined to have your way, so I will promise this much : I will inquire about the girl, and if I find nothing objectionable I will then allow you to exchange visits. Does that satisfy you, little one ? ”

“Indeed it does, for I know my friend is a good, sweet girl.” Her face radiant with pleasure, she turned to leave the room, saying in a voice which fully bespoke the pleasure thrilling her little heart :

“ Now, Aunt Nell, I shall run and obey your command, and tell cook to hurry up the tea.”

“ Goodness me ! run quick, child ! I had entirely forgotten the hour, and your uncle has an engagement to meet his employer at 8 o’clock.”

Being left alone, Mrs. Enderby paced up and down the room with as troubled a mind as any woman having charge of a child not her own could possibly have. She was condemning herself for having given in so readily to the wishes of a child, and in the same breath excusing herself for having done so, when she was startled by a hearty laugh and was caught in the embrace of her grandly handsome husband.

“Well, little woman, what has come over you? I hope you do not meditate going upon the stage, and are now rehearsing the character of some deserted heroine. If that is the case, what do you intend to do with me ? ”

“Now, Ed, stop your nonsense; you know as well as I do what is troubling me. It appears as if each day brings forth some new trait in her character to cause me anxiety.”

“ In whose character, dear? Of whom are you speaking?”

“Why, Ed! Nora, to be sure! Just look at that child and take into consideration her strange temperament, and then tell me if it is not enough to make a woman worry ? Here she is a child scarcely ten years of age, with opinions as deeply seated as a woman of forty; her likes and dislikes are so openly expressed that even among the grown folks she has formed many enemies. She is a child of impulse. What I am to do with her the Lord only knows ! Ah, me ! I hope He will direct me and send into my heart the light of His heavenly grace to understand His holy will.”

“ The very features in that child’s character which cause you so much uneasiness are to my way of thinking her surest safe-guards. It is scarcely a. week since I heard her tell you that she did not like Emma Burns, because she told so many stories.”

“ That is just the trouble. She reproved Emma for deceiving her mother about something she had been forbidden to do. Emma told her mother that Nora had been ‘fighting’ her. Mrs. Burns lost no time in coming to me to complain, and I can assure you she was in no amiable frame of mind, for she declared Nora ‘ no fit associate for any child.’ ”

“As far as I can judge, little Nora did a very good act in that case; for she rid herself of a companion whom she did not like, and you, little wife, of an undesirable acquaintance, judging from the way in which she spoke to you.”

“ Am I really to understand that I am to allow that child to do just as it pleases her baby mind to do? And if she wants the moon, I must have it brought down to her, simply because she says she likes it ? ”

u My dear, if I did not see that you are truly worried, I would indulge in a good hearty laugh at your expense, for I see nothing to warrant your present state of disquietude. Your little niece is truthful, loving, and obedient. Possessing these three qualities, it will be hard for her to err. But what has thrown you into such an excitement today ? ”

“ I had forgotten that I had not told you. Well, she was standing by the window, watching the passers-by, when suddenly she called me to her, going into raptures over a girl standing on the opposite sidewalk, begging me to allow her the privilege of visiting her friend, as she called this stranger.”

“ Is that all? Well now, Nell, I am truly surprised at you, my little wife! a little woman that I truly thought had no equal in anything, but most especially in good common-sense.”

“ Ed, do not think me silly, but look at the matter as I do, and then I know I shall not forfeit your good opinion of me. You see, I have made a promise to this child to allow her the friendship of an utter stranger. Now, admitting that this stranger is all that I should desire a friend of my little pet’s to be, how am I going to accomplish the promised task of bringing them together? Our mode of living has not been conducive to the formation of friends. We have been in this neighborhood scarcely three weeks, and as yet I have received very few callers. The old proverb is very applicable to ourselves — ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss.’ So it is with roving people ; they make no friends. As we never make our home at any one place three months at a time, it scarcely allows me time to get acquainted with my neighbors.”

“ So far, so good. I see from this that you do not want to be obliged to go over to this Mrs. What’s-hername and say, 1 Madam, I have a spoiled, headstrong, determined, yet lovable little niece, who has fallen in love with your little girl, and has made me promise to ask you to let her go over and play with her.’ Eh, how is that for a guess ? ”

“ Little girl ! Why, Ed, she is almost a young lady. She must be somewhere between fifteen and sixteen years of age ! ”

a Whew T ! I see ! I see ! Pet is only ten years old, and this playmate she has set her heart upon is budding into young-ladyhood. Well, that does make a difference ! ”

“ How I am to go about it I can not tell, but accomplish it I must and will ; for I have never yet broken a promise made to a child, and I am not going to commence now.”

“Nor a promise made to any one, that I know of; so we will work together and perhaps meet with the desired success. The acquaintanceship can never amount to much, as we will be leaving here in a couple of months for the West Indies;”.

“ Oh, Ed ! Another trip ! I thought you were going to be taken as partner in the firm, and that w r e could settle down in a little home of our own 1 ”

“Very true, my darling; and today my hopes have been realized, I am now a partner in the well known firm of Salles & Trusting, to be known henceforth as Salles, Trusting & Enderby.”

“God has indeed blest your earnest endeavors. My heart beats high with pride to think that by your industry and integrity alone you have placed yourself this day on a standing with the greatest of our selfmade men.”

“ Thank you, little wife ! To be able to see that proud, happy light in those dear blue eyes, and to hear the joyful cadence in your beloved voice, fully repays me for all the trials and hardships I have undergone.”

“ But tell me, Ed, how is it that you will be sent to the West Indies? Why do they not send some one else?”

“ Two questions at a time. Shall I take them separately or collectively ? ”

“ Either way, but don’t tease, Ed ; I feel disappointed about having to take this trip.”

“ This is the way it is. Mr. Trusting would like to send his son, but the young man is in delicate health, and the doctor thinks the climate there would be too severe for him ; so, as I am accustomed to traveling and am well acquainted with the business, I consented to take this last trip.”

“ Heigh-ho ! I never did care before, but somehow I wish you were not compelled to go ; hut — ”

“ Aunt Nell ! Uncle Ed ! I am so hungry ! I could scarcely get up the stairs. Why, Ellen rang the bell for supper an hour ago. I just waited, and waited, until I couldn’t wait any longer. The biscuits are cold, the tea is spoiled, and Ellen declares it is all my fault for hurrying her up.”

“ Please excuse me, Ed, for having forgotten your engagement. I allowed my own little troubles to interfere with my duties.”

u What engagement? Oh, yes, I remember; but an opportunity occurred early in the afternoon, so a meeting was called and the pros and cons settled.”

“ Aunt Nell ! there she goes, now ! She has just gone inside ! Look how pretty she is ! ”

Both Mrs. and Mr. Enderby went to the window, and beheld as pretty a sight as one could wish to gaze upon. The house stood directly opposite their own ; the hall door being thrown open, a brilliant stream of light flooded the doorway, and just inside the portal stood a young girl of some sixteen or seventeen — a fairy, apparently. Her dress was made of light, fleecylooking material, which seemed to envelop her like a summer’s silvery cloud. Her long, wavy hair, caught back with a ribbon, almost reached the hem of her dress. Her features, of course, were undiscernible at such a distance. She appeared to be arranging some kind of floral decorations, as a long spray of green, intermingled with roses, fell from above the door ; the drooping end thrown across her shoulder, her arms extended upwards, her head thrown slightly sideways, as if viewing her work. Truly she presented a vision of beauty. As her work continued, lights flashed out from all parts of the house, until it stood radiant in one great blaze.

“ Of all things I ever saw ! Why, that charming creature has thrown her shadow across the hall ! ”

“ Where, Uncle Ed? Where do you see her shadow? Oh, yes! Oh my, how much she does look like my friend ! ”

This speech provoked a hearty laugh from both uncle and aunt. As the new comer came up behind our heroine — for such she really is — she caught up the end of the garland, slipped one end around the other’s waist, raising the chaplet of flow r ers above their heads, as if trying to keep it out of the reach of her counterpart, who seemed Vainly striving to get possession of it, when, by some sudden jerk, the long floral wreath fell to the floor, twining itself around the girls in a more artistic manner than if arranged by intent. The new comer’s arm fell backward, encircling the others neck with the fallen spray. Both faces were brought close together; they appeared to be gazing into each other’s eyes. The attitude of one bespoke consternation at the wreck her playfulness had wrought, the other disappointment at the destruction of her beautiful ideas.

“ Oh, why did she spoil my sweet friend’s work ? ”

“Nora, darling, which is your friend? To my way of thinking, you must mean the plural, for I have never seen such a decided case of ‘ who is who’ ? ”

“I can not tell why, Uncle Ed, but one of them I dearly love. You must not laugh at me, because I can’t help it.”

“ I wish I could help you solve the problem ; but as I can not, I’ll tell you the next best thing to do, and that is to answer that bell that Ellen seems trying to demolish. After supper you may come back and watch the festivities for which those grand preparations are being made.”

Chapter II

On entering the dining room, they were met by Ellen, who, with all the airs of an old and privileged servant, gave an excellent lecture upon the irregularity of meals. Mr. Enderby, knowing ElJen’s weakness for a little gossip, and desirous of turning the tide of her just anger into another channel, said, in a most conciliating tone: 'We were gazing spell-bound at our neighbors across the street, and actually forgot we were hungry. But, never mind, we shall do ample justice, to the goodies spread before us. See if we don't!” Asking God’s blessing upon that of which they were about to partake, — a custom Mr. Enderby never omitted ; his sentiments being expressed in his own words — “ My heart is never so sad, or the •ccasion so gay but that I can ask His blessing upon what I am to receive, and thank Him for the same at its close,” — they seated themselves at the table and Nora exclaimed :

“ I wish you could have seen her, Ellen. She is the prettiest girl you ever saw. Isn’t it so, Aunt Nell?”

“You mean they are the prettiest girls, dear. Yes, little one, they are beautiful girls.”

“ What two girls are you speaking of, Mrs. Enderby ? ”

“ I do not know them, Ellen ; they live in the house opposite, and from their dress and the brilliant illumination of the bouse, I judge they are going to have some kind of an entertainment.”

“Oh, yes, you are speaking of the twins; they are having a birthday gathering. Mrs. Chester says they are too young to make their appearance in society, but as they are entertaining the daughter of Mr. Chester’s partner, they might for this once celebrate their birthday by inviting a few friends.”

“ I scarcely thought it could be a ball, as the girls are not dressed in ball costume ; they looked more like some fairy visions than butterflies of fashion.”

“ Mr. Chester, did you say, Ellen ? ”

“Yes, sir.”

“What is his partner’s name? Do you know?”

“I believe it is Mr. Earle. Yes, it is Earle, because the young lady’s name is Miss Alice Earle.”

“There now, Nell, your troubles are at an end. Mr. Chester and I are good friends of long ago, and I know, as soon as I make known to him our little pet’s desire, he will bring about an introduction between them.”

Soon rising from the table and returning thanks to God for what he had received from His hands, he offered his arm to his wife and his hand to his little niece, casting a most rueful glance at the dishes upon the table, and saying in a voice of such serio-comic nature as to call forth much laughter from the party, more especially from Ellen :

“When we came we found you spread

As we leave, Ah ! ’tis sad to tell,

You’ve suffered much, but we’ve fared well.”

“ Why, Ed, I never before knew that we had a poet in the family! ”

“Nothing like keeping a little surprise in store for one’s friends. What do you say, Ellen ? Ah, that is the way I like to see a face ; broadened, not lengthened. Well, rest assured of one thing, we will not bother you for anything to eat until to-morrow, so good-night. We will now go and watch ‘ the twins’

until the sand-man pays his visit to pet and fills her eyes.”

“ He will not be able to get one grain of sand in them as long as I can get a glimpse of my friend.”

“ Good-night to you kindly, Mr. and Mrs. Enderby; likewise little Nora. But I was thinking of asking your permission to speak to you both in private, before bidding you good-night.”

u All right, Ellen, consider the permission granted, and come up whenever you are ready.”

As the family left the dining room, Ellen stood looking after them with tears (which proved to be of affection) glistening in her eyes, and speaking her thoughts aloud in her earnestness. u May God bless you all ! you Mr. Enderby, for being the good-natured, happy-hearted gentleman that you are, with a kind word and a willing hand for everyone; and dear Mrs. Enderby, blessings be showered on you ; never have we felt the want of your tender sympathy or ready assistance in our hour of need. Little Nora. Ah ! it is the likeness to your aunt; the same sweet, noble qualities, with the impulsive promptings of a pure heart, never willing to oflend, ever ready to forgive. Again do I say may the good Lord’s blessings rest on you all. If the world held more like you what a bright, happy place it would be to live in ! ”

Chapter III

In an elegantly-furnished sitting-room were gathered four as lovely women as could be found the world over. The eldest was standing by a table with an open letter in her hand, her eyes raised as if lost in meditation — great, glorious black eyes as impenetrable as midnight, yet, in their great beauty, tenderness seemed to have no place ; pride and coldness blended in every glance. The perfect mouth, whose full, red lips with their happiest expression never lost their look of firmness and determination, ever ready to frame a command, never inviting a caress.

“ Alice, I have a letter from your mother, thanking me for the kindness shown to you during her absence ; she requests your return home, and kindly invites my nieces to accompany you. Of course, she does not know that the girls are yet under tuition. I hope you will explain my ideas in regard to their entering society in its simplest form until they attain their eighteenth year.”

u Certainly, Mrs. Chester, and I know mamma will think your excuse a good one. But, dear me ! that’s what she said about me ; yet I succeeded in making my debut long before I reached my seventeenth birthday. Why, that is half of a woman’s lifetime ! Don’t you think so, Stella? 1 ’

Ah, Alice, if you could only see that haughty glance sweep from beneath those black-fringed lids, those beautiful lips set with a fixed determination, that shapely head toss back with scorn, you would be more guarded in your remarks, that is, if you value the company of your friends. But, you do not heed the one nor care for the other, and therefore continue making matters worse.

“You know girls, mamma will say, ‘ Now, Alice, you really shall not do so and so, any more.’ Truth to tell, she does look as if she really means it, but I know her so well, I go on the same as ever, and have my own way, — which she says I am going to have any how. Papa says that I hold the reins of the household, and that it makes very little difference which way I jerk them, they are compelled to turn. That is just the way it is with all of us girls ; our fathers, mothers, uncles and aunts all try to make us think they are fearfully cruel to us, when all the time they only need a little coaxing. Isn’t that so, Mrs. Chester? ”

“ Is that your opinion, Alice ? ”

“Of course it is. Mamma says we would not be girls if we did not give trouble.”

“ Then, my two young nieces, pay attention to me and heed well that which I am going to tell you. I have never said it to you before. I will never repeat it, but should necessity require it I will execute it. You have been placed under my guardianship until you marry or attain your twenty-first year. There are nearly one hundred thousand dollars to be divided between you upon the completion of either event — providing you will have pleased me in all things ; failing in that, you will forfeit your inheritance should I feel disposed to keep it from you. Now, once and for all, remember that my will is not to be subservient to yours. I demand from you obedience. I will not be annoyed in any manner by you. You completed your sixteenth year yesterday ; two years hence I will sanction your entrance into society. But if, during those two years, you by one act disobey me, it shall be to me the same as the most grievous offense. If both are guilty, both shall pay the penalty ; you shall lose your inheritance — be turned adrift from my home and protection to make your way in the world the best you can, as entire strangers to every member of your family. Should only one of you offend, the offender’s portion goes to the sister, besides being deprived of the other’s society until it is beyond my power to keep you apart. I hope you fully understand me.”

“ We do, Aunt Elizabeth, and can assure you that our greatest delight will be to please you, not only for a few short years, but throughout our lives.”

“Very well, let that be as it may. I ask not for affectionate demonstrations or professions of tenderness. I have never given any ; I most assuredly can not expect any. I ask nothing from you but respect and obedience during the time my guardianship lasts; nothing more, nothing less.” ,

With this, Mrs. Chester passed from the room, leaving the girls gazing after her, their feelings plainly expressed on their faces. The twins had risen when their aunt first addressed them, the arm of each encircling the other’s waist, as if shielding each other from harm. Their great almond-shaped eyes looked straight into those midnight orbs of their aunt with the clear, fearless look of innocence and sincerity. Looking attentively at their faces, you would have observed what at first did not seem to exist — a difference. But where was that difference? Not in the low, broad, womanly brow, the delicately penciled eyebrows, the long, curiing eyelashes, the straight, Grecian nose, the mobile mouth, with the full, red, sensitive lips, — you will decide that the difference lies not in any of those features. But stop! look again at the mouth, the most difficult of all the features to control. Look at the two sisters standing before their aunt, their eyes raised to hers — what unfathomable thoughts lie hidden in their clear depths. But let. your gaze rest upon their lovely mouths. How different the expression of the other’s lips ! As sensitive and as beautiful, yet no timidity lurks around them. A deep crimson dyes their rich fullness as they disclose the rows of pearls beneath; wonder seems to hold them spell-bound. As her aunt continued speaking, speech seemed ready to gush forth, but respect for the speaker kept them still until the words of her aunt — “ I hope you fully understand me?” — called for an answer. Ah, what a sweet smile of assurance hovered around those lips as they gave forth the reply prompted by the pure, sincere, and trusting heart of the speaker. The cold and heartless words of her aunt given in reply seemed to have no other effect than to deepen the look of admiration in those soul-lit eyes as they followed the retreating form of Mrs. Chester.

A rustling noise made by the silk dress of Alice, as she rose from her chair, drew the attention of our little heroine to her; the look of utter contempt and disgust she saw filled her heart with an anger before unknown.

Chapter IV

“ What a tempest in a teapot ! Pshaw ! who ever heard such a tirade about nothing ? One would think the old shrew wanted to put you both in a glass case and keep you there ! Fudge ! I have no patience with such an old marplot ! ”

“ Alice Earle, if you are speaking about my aunt and using such names as ‘ shrew’ and i marplot’ in connection with her, allow me to request you not to use them in my presence. ‘ Shrew,’ indeed! Never was there a more true, noble, and honorable woman born ! She has taken the place of a mother to us since our fifth year, and raised us according to her views of right and wrong; if she has erred in any way, we do not know of it. The harshest words she has ever used to us were uttered for the first time today in your presence. If she has not shown to us any of the tenderness so dear to the heart of the orphan, we do not blame her — it is her nature. Why, to our uncle, whom we know she loves to the very borders of idolatry, she shows that same cold, haughty demeanor. How, then r can we expect her to be different to us ? She never had children of her own, therefore her method of directing us is from her head, not her heart ; and if we follow strictly her counsels, I see very little to dread in the future,”

“Well, if you are satisfied, I don’t see who should grumble ; but if I were in your place, I should call her nothing less than a despicable old shrew and marplot.”