Mrs. Burgoyne turned in surprise.
'By all means!—What can I do?'
'Do you mind telling me whether you think I ought to stay on here? Miss
Manisty is so kind—she wants me to stay till you leave, and then go to
Vallombrosa with you—next month. But—'
'Why "but"?'—said Mrs. Burgoyne, briskly, still in quest of rings, handkerchief, and fan,—'unless you are quite tired of us.'
The girl smiled. 'I couldn't be that. But—I think you'll be tired of me! And I've heard from the Porters of a quiet pension in Florence, where some friends of theirs will be staying till the middle of June. They would let me join them, till the Porters are ready for me.'
There was just a moment's pause before Eleanor said—
'Aunt Pattie would be very sorry. I know she counts on your going with her to Vallombrosa. I must go home by the beginning of June, and I believe Mr. Manisty goes to Paris.'
'And the book?' Lucy could not help saying, and then wished vehemently that she had left the question alone.
'I don't understand'—said Mrs. Burgoyne, stooping to look for her walking-shoes.
'I didn't—I didn't know whether it was still to be finished by the summer?'