Florence bowed acquiescence, but she felt very sad. She had become attached to her young charge, and it cost her a pang to part from her.
Besides, how was she to supply the income of which this would deprive her?
“I bow to your decision, madam,” she said, with proud humility.
“You will find here the sum that I owe you, with payment for an extra week in lieu of notice.”
“Thank you. May I bid Carrie good-by, Mrs. Leighton?”
“It is better not to do so, I think. The more quietly we dissolve our unfortunate connection the better!”
Florence’s heart swelled, and the tears came to her eyes, but she could not press her request.
She was destined, however, to obtain the privilege which Mrs. Leighton denied her. Carrie, who had become impatient, came downstairs and burst into the room.
“What keeps you so long, Miss Linden?” she said. “Is mamma keeping you?”
Florence was silent, leaving the explanations to Mrs. Leighton.