But on the evening before she was to start--she was to go to Ashcroft for a day, and meet her escort in London afterwards--Florrie, as she stood in her little room for the last time, felt the awe of a great change coming over her. If he came back after long years as Harry had done, perhaps the younger ones wouldn't know her; perhaps she would feel strange and uncomfortable as he did. Florrie went downstairs and back into the sitting-room, acting at once, as was her way, on the thought that came into her mind. "Father," she said, "I'm very sorry I was such a naughty girl. Harry and Mr Alwyn came home to say they were sorry--but--but--I'd rather say it before I go. And please, father, don't forget what I'm like. I'll have my photo took every year and send you." "My dear, I didn't forget Harry," said her father; "you mistake--and certainly I'm not going to forget you." "Oh, Florrie dear," said Mattie, taking her in her arms and crying, "I thought you didn't care a bit about leaving us all." "Oh yes, I do," said Florrie, sobbing; "I never said I didn't care. But when things have got to be done they've got to be gone through with whether people care or not!" And with this sentiment, which no one could say was not a turning of her bold spirit to the use for which it was given to her, Maud Florence Nellie Whittaker went out to her new life. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Maud Florence Nellie, by C.R. Coleridge