In faltering and apologetic terms, Letty related her interview with Frau Hurter, and the woman’s ultimatum.
“So Cara has been flirting, has she, and foolishly encouraging the good-looking Fritz?”
“Not exactly that; but, you see, they grew up together, and she is so gay, and unconventional, and pretty.”
“Ah, well, of course, you must go—but where?”
“I am sure I don’t know. What do you advise?”
“I advise England.”
“On two hundred pounds a year—impossible! And now Cara is grown up she must be well dressed.”
“So I see,” agreed Mrs. Hesketh, with significance. “That embroidered linen never cost a sou less than one hundred and fifty francs. Now, my advice is the same as ever, come and live at Oldcourt. I want your company badly; I’ve made a will, and left you every penny, so you really ought to do something for me! As for Cara, she shall go to a good finishing school in Brighton for the next twelve months. I will, of course, pay all her expenses. Seventeen is much too young for a girl to come out into the world. You know that, Letty, from your own experience—don’t you?”
“Yes, but Cara is different; she has decided views—no one could talk or coerce her into anything she did not wish to do.”
“Ah!”