“I thought, perhaps,” said Flossie, “it would be best to say that seeing the change in my circumstances, I wish to have nothing more to do with you, Nesta Aldworth.”
“It seems unkind,” said Mrs Griffiths. “I didn’t much like coming up here to say it, but Flossie was determined.”
“It was father and I who settled it last night,” said Flossie. “I spoke to him about it, and he said that such a very deceitful girl could have nothing to do with me in the future; so this is good-bye. I wish you well, of course. I would not wish my worst enemy anything but well, but whatever happens in the future I cannot know you.”
“Very well; of course I am sorry. I know I behaved like a perfect horror,” said Nesta.
“You say that!” cried Flossie. There was a queer look in her black eyes. She fully expected that Nesta would make a scene and get, in short, into one of her celebrated tantrums; but Nesta’s eyes kept on being sorry, and Penelope said:
“Oh, don’t let’s talk about disagreeables. If we are all happy in our own way, why should we nag and jar at one another? Do come into the house, Mrs Griffiths, and have some tea, and if father is anywhere round I’ll ask him to have a chat with you. I am sure he will be delighted to hear that Mr Griffiths had made a lot of money.”
“Not so much made, my dear,” said Mrs Griffiths, going on in front with Penelope, “but in the making. That’s it—it’s in the making. We are likely to be richer and richer. Father is so excited you can scarcely hold him in bounds. But there, my dear, there. I am sorry Flossie is so rude, but the child’s head is turned by her fine prospects.”
When they got near the house Nesta turned and looked at Flossie.
“So you are never going to speak to me again, even though—”
“Well?” said Flossie.