"It would be the most distinct refusal you could give him under the circumstances," Mrs Wentworth maintained. "And a man of his age and position must be allowed to take his own way to some extent, even if it be a little eccentric;" adding, in her own mind, "And just _supposing_ he wrote that odd letter impulsively, not being really quite sure of his own mind," (which was, to do her justice, Mrs Wentworth's only misgiving), "if he came back and found us gone, and Florence, who I _know_, does not like us, got hold of him and talked him round, where would we be? We might never hear of or see him again--quite as honourable men as he have backed out of things of the kind before now-- and Imogen's whole career might be spoilt, for of course he would not suppose she had shown me the letter, considering the postscript, and knowing what a punctilious darling she is." But these reflections she kept to herself--the effect of revealing them to Imogen would, she felt instinctively, have been disastrous, for the slight strain of coarseness, undeniable in the mother's nature, despite her real gentleness and unselfishness, would have found no response in the perfect delicacy of the high-minded though undisciplined daughter. A hint or two to the effect that another week at The Fells would be a convenience as well as a pleasure was cordially responded to by the Wentworths' hostess. Truth to tell, the seed fell on ground already carefully prepared by Mabella, through Trixie, bribed by the promise of a speedy _denouement_ of their cherished scheme of revenge. "I am really pleased to see that Trixie has made such friends with Imogen Wentworth," said honest Mrs Helmont to her husband. "She is a thoroughly sweet, refined girl. And even Mab seems quieter lately." "Trixie was none the worse for her bit of plain-speaking, you see," said the Squire with satisfaction. "I think I know how to manage that sort of thing when it is really called for, though I have no idea of nagging at the children as some do. I wish poor Florry could pick up her spirits a bit." "She misses Rex; he has such a good influence on her," said Mrs Helmont, "though he has troubles enough of his own, poor fellow. I daresay she is anxious about his troubles too." For Florence, of all the party, had perhaps the most perturbed aspect just then. She was both distressed and bewildered--vaguely conscious that mischief was brewing, though unable to define how or where. And her anxiety was not lessened by the perception that Imogen was avoiding her. "I wish Rex were back," she said to herself. "And still more I wish he had not left that child in my charge, as he said. What can I do? She gives me no confidence, and she is always with Trixie, just as her silly mother is with Mabella." It was true, though the further truth that in those days it was not Imogen seeking Beatrix, but Beatrix Imogen, Beatrix was clever enough to conceal from her elder sister.