"Well, they're not really in our class of life at all. I sometimes think it rather trying that I should be expected to know them. They are the daughters of that greengrocer who owns the huge shop just round the corner. Oh, and here they are coming to meet us! They'll want me to introduce you. Do you mind?"
Star said she did not mind. In her heart of hearts she felt that she could scarcely know a more vulgar or common girl than Florence.
"If you will only tell them the truth, that I came to church because I wished to speak to you, I don't mind what else you do," said Star.
The Manners girls came up slowly. They were thin, with straw-colored hair, very pale complexions, and small, weak-looking eyes. They were showily dressed, and in some ways looked even more commonplace than Florence. When they saw her they made a rush towards her. Then the younger one drew back a little, and it was the elder Miss Manners who came trippingly up to the two little girls.
"I have come in person to answer you, Florence. As you have got the note—I mean the one Miss Thompson gave you——"
"Oh, hush, hush!" said Florence. She could not have grown any paler than she did at that moment.
Star moved a step or two away from her.
"You told me just now——" she began.
"I did—I did! Don't speak to me for a minute, Miss Lestrange. I must walk on with you just to explain myself."