“No, not offended, dear,” said Mrs. Elder, quickly. “That is too strong a word. He was disturbed.”
“He asks of me too much, Aunt Mary.” Florence spoke with some warmth. “I am but human.”
“Perhaps he does. But the condition of things at Mrs. Dainty’s must be his excuse. See into what a state of mind Madeline has fallen.”
“Poor child! I cannot sleep, sometimes, for thinking of her,” said Florence.
“I can hardly wonder at Mr. Fleetwood, seeing that his heart is wrapped up in those children. He has seen how much power for good you can have over them, and, now that an evil hand is at work, seeking to mar the sweet beauty of Madeline’s spirit, can you feel surprise at his eagerness to bring her again within the sphere of your influence? I cannot, Florence.”
“Then you think I ought to go?”
Aunt Mary was silent.
“Mrs. Dainty has not desired my return.”
“She has not communicated such a desire; but Mr. Fleetwood has over and over again said that only weak pride keeps her from doing so. Shall not something be conceded for the children’s sake?”
“If you think I ought to call and see Mrs. Dainty, as Mr. Fleetwood proposes, I will go to-morrow,” said Florence.