“Why, Aunt Anne, what is the matter?” Florence asked cheerfully, and with considerable astonishment.
“You are very brave, my love,” the old lady said, scanning her niece’s face, “but I know all; an hour ago I had a letter telling me of Walter’s departure. My dear, it will break your heart.”
“But why?”
“My love, it will.”
“Oh no,” Florence said, “I am not so foolish. Life is full of ordinary events that bring out very keen feelings, I have been thinking that lately, but one must learn to take them calmly.”
“You do not know what you will suffer when he is gone.”
“No, Aunt Anne, I shall miss him, of course; but I shall hope that he is enjoying himself.”
“My dear Florence, I expected to find you broken-hearted.”
“That would be cruel to him. I am glad he is going, it will do him good, and really I have not had time to think of myself yet, I have been so busy.”
Mrs. Baines considered for a moment.