off right through the house and into one of the gardens
at the back. "Your Aunt Susan is not down yet," she said; "it is the
most merciful Providence, for I judge from her manner of last night
that she means to absorb you. Now, then, darling, tell me what are
your chances?"

"Oh, I don't know, mother; I suppose they are pretty good, and I have
tried my best--I can't do any more."

"Really, Florence, you look quite splendid; I would not know you for
the same girl. How your figure has changed; you have attained quite an
elegant shape, my love--small waist, rounded form, a little pale, paler
than I should wish, but your eyes have greatly improved; they have got
a sort of pathetic expression in them which is very becoming, very
becoming indeed." Mrs. Aylmer danced in front of Florence, examining
each feature critically, her own small eyes twinkling, and her round
face flushing in her excitement.

"Oh, isn't it a magnificent place?" she said, "and such a dinner as
they had last night--course after course, if you'll believe me. I
should think there must have been fifteen courses if there was one. I
kept counting them, and then my poor head got so confused, for I was
seated not far from Sir John, and he talked to me in such a kind,
marked sort of way, and your Aunt Susan kept glittering her pale blue
eyes at me as if she was eaten up with jealousy. I tell you, my
darling, I did enjoy myself; I gave myself away, and talked in a frank,
pleasant, easy sort of style. I made several of the guests laugh, I
did really. Florence, my dear, my dress is beautiful; it quite stands
out with richness. I assure you, my love, you will have no cause to be
ashamed of your little Mummy to-night. I got Miss Macgregor to put a
yard and a half of train into the back--a yard and a half, Flo, and it
quite adds to my height. I have not had such a lovely dress since your
poor dear father's time--that I haven't. I thought I would like to
thank Sir John in private, and to tell him that I have made the money
for my expenses go so far that I was able to purchase the dress."

"Oh, mother, please, please, mother, don't!" said Florence, in a tone
of agony.

"Why not, my sweet child? If Sir John knows that I am thoroughly poor
he may give me another little _douceur_--there's no saying."

"Oh, mother, mother, you don't know what agony this gives me!"

"My poor child, but are not you glad that your little Mummy has got
some money? Dear me