"Do you think—that I could—do any thing with it?" asked Florence in a tremor of delight.
"I suppose your grandmother would not stand in the way of your advancement?" questioned Mrs. Osgood.
"Oh, no! And then if I could do something"—
Florence felt that she ought to add, "for the others," but somehow she did not. She wondered if Mrs. Osgood was a music-teacher, or a professional singer. But she did not like to ask.
"There is my carriage," said Mrs. Osgood, as a man drove slowly round. "I am spending a few weeks at some distance from here, and wished to have you do a little flannel embroidery for me. When will your vacation commence?"
"In about ten days,—the first of July."
"I wish to see you when we can have a longer interview. I will come over again then."
Mrs. Osgood rose, and shook out her elegant grenadine dress, much trimmed and ruffled. On her wrists were beautiful bracelets, and her watch-chain glittered with every movement. Then she really smiled very sweetly upon the young girl; and Florence was charmed.
Some dim recollection passed over her mind.