With a strong effort Frances controlled herself, and determined on trying persuasion; for she would find out where she got the flower.
Now Frances had been dressing in her room, and had accidentally seen from her window Charles talking to the children; so when she, unfortunately for Fanny, met her in the passage, and saw the Camellia, she naturally enough concluded he had sent it. If not he, who had? but she was certain it was Charles; her new-born jealousy told her so.
Still the child must confess and satisfy her, must confirm her suspicions, and then—but though Frances shut her teeth firmly, as some sudden thought flashed through her, yet she could not quite tell what her vengeance was to be, or what measures she would take; she only felt, only knew she must annihilate and crush her rival, and remove her out of her path.
"I do not want the flower, Fanny," commenced she in a low voice, meant to propitiate and coax.
"You would not have it, if you did!" replied Fanny, not a bit conciliated or deceived at the change of tone and voice.
Frances could scarcely control her anger.
"You need not hold it so determinately behind you. I am not going to take it from you."
"No! I should not let you."
"Nonsense! I could take it if I liked, but I do not want it; and I know where you got it too, Fanny."