"She is my aunt by marriage. It does not matter. We don't get on together. She—she never wishes to see me nor to hear of me."
"But I wonder why; it seems very hard on you. You and your mother are poor, whilst I am no relation. Why should I usurp your place—in fact, be your supplanter?"
"You are not. If you did not have the money, someone else would. I should never be my aunt's heiress."
"And yet she knows you?"
"She did know me."
"Did you ever do anything to offend her?"
"I am afraid I did."
Trevor was on the point of asking "What?" but there was an expression in Florence's face which stayed the word on his lips. She had turned white again, and the tired, drawn expression had come to her eyes.
"You must come home now and have lunch," he said; "afterwards I will take you for another walk, and show you some fresh beauties."
They rose slowly and went back to the house. Lunch was waiting for them, and during the meal Mrs. Trevor and Maurice talked on many things which delighted and interested Florence immensely. They were both highly intelligent, had a passionate love for horticulture, and also were well read on many other subjects. Florence found some of her school knowledge now standing her in good stead.