"I wish you would take counsel with some friend. I think this opportunity for Florence is too good to be thrown away."
"I don't know, I'm sure. You are very kind and generous. But to part with my poor darling."
The lady rose at length.
"I shall leave Florence here for three days," she said. "In the mean while consider the subject well, and do not stand in the way of the child's welfare."
Florence was very sorry to part with Mrs. Osgood. She walked out to the gate, and lingered there, clinging to the slender hand, and at last being kissed tenderly.
"Think earnestly of my proposal. On Saturday I shall come for my answer," said Mrs. Osgood.
The lady had not much fear. She knew that money was all-potent in this world; and it was quite absurd to suppose that a pretty girl would prefer toil and poverty in this hovel, to luxury and ease with handsome surroundings.
"Oh dear!" and Granny's arms were around Flossy's neck. "I can't let you go away forever. And I am sure you don't want to," scanning the fair face with her fond and eager eyes.