“Be it so, obstinate girl!” said Curtis, angrily. “The time will come when you will bitterly repent your mad decision.”
Chapter VII.
Florence Leaves Home.
Florence passed a sleepless night. It had come upon her so suddenly, this expulsion from the home of her childhood, that she could not fully realize it. She could not feel that she was taking her last look at the familiar room, and well-remembered dining-room, where she had sat down for the last time for breakfast. She was alone at the breakfast table, for the usual hour was half-past eight, and she had appointed Dodger to call for her at eight.
“Is it true, Miss Florence, that you’re going away?” asked Jane, the warm-hearted table girl, as she waited upon Florence.
“Yes, Jane,” answered Florence, sadly.
“It’s a shame, so it is! I didn’t think your uncle would be so hard-hearted.”
“He is disappointed because I won’t marry my Cousin Curtis.”
“I don’t blame you for it, miss. I never liked Mr. Waring. He isn’t half good enough for you.”
“I say nothing about that, Jane; but I will not marry a man I do not love.”
“Nor would I, miss. Where are you going, if I may make so bold?”