"I don't believe she would," exclaimed Florence. "You see, people are so different; and—I'm sure I've always wanted you to have nice manners."
"So you have, Flossy," declared Joe. "And you were meant for a lady."
Hal and Granny sat on the doorstep after the rest had gone to bed, crying a little, and yet finding some comfort.
"It would be so nice for Florence!" Hal said in his pleading tone. "She would always have to work here, and not learn music and all those lovely things. And she has such a beautiful voice, you know, and such pretty hands, and nice, dainty ways"—
"But never to see her again!" groaned Granny.
"I think we shall see her,—some time. Perhaps Mrs. Osgood might die: she is not very well, and Flossy might come back to us. Oh, yes, Granny, I do believe we shall see her again!"
"I've loved you all so much!"
"And we should always love you, even if we went to Japan. Then, if Flossy should have to work hard, and be unhappy, we might be sorry that we kept her out of any thing so nice."
"I do believe you are right, Hal; only it's so hard to think of not seeing her again."
"I'll try to make it up, dear. You will always have me."