"Yes: run right along."
Luckily the door was shut between. Florence gave her curls a twist and a smoothing with her fingers, took off her soiled white apron, pulled her dress out here and there, stepped over the pools of water, and entered.
Mrs. Osgood admired her self-possession, and pitied the poor child profoundly. The flush and partial embarrassment were very becoming to her.
That lady did not mean to rush headlong into her proposal. She broke the ground delicately by inquiring about the embroidering; and Florence brought some to show her.
"Who taught you?" she asked in surprise.
"No one;" and Florence colored a little. "I did not do the first as neatly, but it is quite easy after one is fairly started."
"I really do not see how you find time, with going to school;" and this persevering industry did touch Mrs. Osgood's heart.
"I cannot do very much," answered Florence with a sigh. "But it will soon be vacation."
"How old are you?"
"I shall be fifteen the last of this month."