"I know nothing of the kind," replied Mrs. Aylmer angrily.
Florence smiled.
"But I wrote to you, mother; I told you everything."
"Perhaps so, dear, but I didn't receive the letter. I cannot acknowledge the engagement just now. I am very much agitated. Mr. Franks, you will, I hope, excuse me. Of course I know the feelings of all young men under such circumstances, and I wish to do nothing rude or in any way impolite, but just now I must see my daughter alone."
"You had better go, Tom," said Florence. She took the key of her room out of her pocket, opened the door, and ushered her mother in.
"Now, mother," she said. "Oh, dear, the fire is out." She walked to the hearth, stooped down, and began to light the fire afresh. Mrs. Aylmer sat near the window.
"Now, mother," said Florence, just looking round her, "what have you come about?"
"I thought you would give me a welcome," said Mrs. Aylmer the less; "you used to be an affectionate girl."
"Oh, used!" said Florence. "But people change as they grow older. Sometimes I think I have not any heart."
"But you have engaged yourself to that man. I presume you love him."