She really was an adorable girl; and her tastes were so simple. He asked her what she would like to drink, and she said water. He ordered water, therefore, for her and a bottle of Guinness’ stout for himself.
While they were partaking of their lunch, Florence told him that she and Brenda were going to London on the following day.
“We are going to see Mr Timmins,” she said.
“Oh, your lawyer?” he remarked at once. “He is going to arrange with you about your future?”
“Yes,” she replied, very gravely; and she looked him full in the face.
He returned her glance.
“You are not going to stay in London, are you?”
“Oh no,” she answered. “Oh no; we are both going up by the nine o’clock train. We are travelling first-class.”
“Why, of course,” said Lieutenant Reid. “I only wish I might come with you.”
“Oh no,” said Florence, “you must not do that. He does not even wish poor Mrs Fortescue to come. He wants to see us quite alone.”