“I have no doubt that Walter and Fred will be delighted with your proposal,” Florence coldly answered. “And Mrs. Wilson has not been well lately, so that the change will be acceptable to her also. But for myself——”
She paused a moment, for Mr. Aylwinne was looking at her so earnestly that in spite of herself her voice faltered.
“Why do you stop?” he demanded.
“Because your kindness makes me regret to do anything that interferes with your plans. But I have merely been waiting for such an opportunity as this, to tell you that I shall not be able to retain my office much longer.”
“If you say this because I have returned home sooner than I said I should,” Mr. Aylwinne exclaimed, “pray understand at once that I am simply here for a few hours, because my presence was necessary for the signing of some leases.”
“If my residence at Orwell Court involves its owner’s absence,” retorted Florence, rather resentfully, “I have an additional motive for quitting it. But my movements actually depend on my Aunt Margaret, with whom I am to take up my abode immediately on her return to England.”
Again Mr. Aylwinne walked on in silence, until he abruptly put the query:
“From whom did this proposal emanate? From Mrs. Blunden herself?”
Florence would have preferred evading this question, but as he was waiting for a reply, she said truthfully:
“From myself. As she is my nearest relative, I consider that I have a claim upon Aunt Margaret’s protection; and this she has cheerfully conceded.”