Next to Kitty, Sir John certainly liked plain little Mary best.
Light refreshments were brought in on little trays, and the girls were invited to partake. The three young hostesses acted with aplomb and much tact. Dull girls were drawn out of themselves, lively girls were placed with suitable companions. Games were proposed, which were all conducted in a spirited and lively manner, and finally the proceedings ended with a gay dance. It was at this moment, just when the dance was in full swing, that Sir John Wallis came up and offered his arm to Florence.
"Will you waltz with me?" he said.
She looked up at him, colored with delight, and laid her hand on his arm. The two led the dance, and right merry was the music which was played to it.
The dance had just come to an end when Sir John looked full at Florence and spoke.
"I heard from your aunt, Mrs. Aylmer, and she is much pleased to accept my invitation. She will be my guest on the evening of the 29th, and I hope I may persuade her to stay a few days longer. You must see a great deal of her while she is at Cherry Court Park. You are a great favorite with her, are you not?"
"Of late I have been a favorite," said Florence, and now she looked full at Sir John and her lip trembled.
"There is something the matter with you, my dear," said Sir John.
"Oh, I don't know—nothing." Then she added, as if the words were wrung from her lips, "I hate Aunt Susan."
"Oh, come, come," said Sir John, truly shocked; "let me tell you that is a very unladylike way of speaking and scarcely fair to your aunt, who is doing so much for you."