“Could we live, as we have both lived, on that income, Reginald?”
“To be honest, Florence, I don't think we could have a town house, a place in the country, and entertain much.”
“Certainly not, Reginald. If my father gives his consent, I will be your wife whenever you say. If he refuses, we must wait.”
The next mail brought a short letter for Florence from her sister.
“DEAR FLO:—I didn't want to put what I'm going to write now in my other letter. I suppose Reggie will propose now. Don't you accept him until Father is told. You love money and style, and the first enables you to indulge in the second.
“I don't blame Reggie for borrowing if he was hard up, but knew he could pay. But most men are deceitful creatures, anyway. Don't let Aunt Ella write to father. He was always sore about her influence over Quincy, and he mustn't think Aunt Ella made this match. If the Countess would write him, puffing up Reggie's ancestors, and his blue blood and ancestral home, and a hint (I hope it is so) that the Hornaby's are a very wealthy family and related (distantly of course) to royalty, Pater may say 'yes,' and give you his blessing. I do, if that will help any. Your loving sister,
“MAUDE.”
* * * * * * *
Florence had to make confidantes of Aunt Ella and Alice. She repeated her conversation with Reginald and allowed them to read Maude's letter.
“Maude has a level head,” was Aunt Ella's comment. “I'll go and have a talk with Linda. If she will write your father in the Captain's behalf, I think things will come out all right.”