“Hush!” he replied, his lip quivering a little. “Never speak of it again! Only let me treasure among my few pleasant recollections the remembrance that I have been able to be of use to you.” “You must also let me be grateful,” said Florence, chilled by something in his speech. “My life is of little worth to any one but myself, yet I shudder at the thoughts of losing it so fearfully and suddenly.” Mr. Aylwinne walked on a few paces without speaking; then, bending toward her, he said softly: “Poor little Florence! Has the past left such a dark cloud that you cannot shake it off? I hoped in the peaceful seclusion of Orwell Court, where every one who knows you loves you, your natural cheerfulness would return.” She did not reply. She could not tell him that it was the inexplicable barrier between them which robbed her life of its sunshine. “You must have a change,” Mr. Aylwinne went on. “You shall go to the seaside for a few weeks or longer. The boys will like it, and I shall give you all carte blanche to enjoy yourselves. Let it be a long holiday, and lessons set entirely aside till you all feel disposed to resume them. Mrs. Wilson shall go, too. I shall leave you to decide for yourselves where it shall be. Choose which part of the coast you prefer, and I will see about a house there directly.” “I have no doubt that Walter and Fred will be delighted with your proposal,” Florence coldly answered. “And Mrs. Wilson has not been well lately, so that the change will be acceptable to her also. But for myself----” She paused a moment, for Mr. Aylwinne was looking at her so earnestly that in spite of herself her voice faltered. “Why do you stop?” he demanded. “Because your kindness makes me regret to do anything that interferes with your plans. But I have merely been waiting for such an opportunity as this, to tell you that I shall not be able to retain my office much longer.” “If you say this because I have returned home sooner than I said I should,” Mr. Aylwinne exclaimed, “pray understand at once that I am simply here for a few hours, because my presence was necessary for the signing of some leases.” “If my residence at Orwell Court involves its owner’s absence,” retorted Florence, rather resentfully, “I have an additional motive for quitting it. But my movements actually depend on my Aunt Margaret, with whom I am to take up my abode immediately on her return to England.” Again Mr. Aylwinne walked on in silence, until he abruptly put the query: “From whom did this proposal emanate? From Mrs. Blunden herself?” Florence would have preferred evading this question, but as he was waiting for a reply, she said truthfully: “From myself. As she is my nearest relative, I consider that I have a claim upon Aunt Margaret’s protection; and this she has cheerfully conceded.” He sighed. “Perhaps you have acted wisely--yes, I must acknowledge that you are right. And yet I hoped you would have been contented to remain with us.”