“Never paid you attention?”
“Why, you don’t call talking about Sunday-schools and districts attention, do you?” said Flossy.
“That depends. Did you expect him to talk about hearts and darts and forget-me-nots?” laughed Clarissa.
“I thought anyone would do something,” cried Flossy, crimson and nervous, as she twisted the letter in her hand.
“My dear, don’t be so childish,” said Miss Venning. “You are startled; but, depend upon it, Mr Blandford’s feelings are just as sincere as if he had talked more about them. And I’m sure a more excellent person—”
Miss Venning paused, rather overcome by her feelings; and Flossy said, gravely:
“I am afraid I have been childish. It is because I think so much of the things that interest me. But, indeed, I didn’t mean to—to flirt and lead him on.”
“Whatever you meant, my dear,” said Miss Venning, “you see the result.”
“What in the world shall I do, Mary? What shall I say?”
“Why, my darling, if you can care about him—”