“You are intimate with Lieutenant Mason, are you not?”
Surprised at the question, Florence answered:
“Papa is; but I have only seen him once at his mother’s. What made you ask me?” she demanded, her fears aroused directly.
“I don’t know; mere curiosity, I believe. Lieutenant Mason is distantly related to a family in which I teach, and I have seen him occasionally—that is all, Miss Heriton.”
“I wish I did know more of him,” said Florence anxiously. “I wish I knew whether he is to be trusted.”
Julia looked at her with surprise, not unmingled with displeasure.
“Of course he is! Who doubts Lieutenant Mason’s honor?”
“I’m so glad to hear you say this!” Florence cried joyfully. “Papa has had some business transactions with him, and I could not help feeling uneasy as to the results.”
“The lieutenant would not be very much pleased if he knew the suspicions you entertain,” said Julia. “At least, I should think not.”
“If I have done him injustice, I am very sorry,” was the earnest reply.