Meanwhile, Mrs Fortescue had really left the room to recover her self-control. But she was a woman, and could quickly achieve her object. She came back looking as calm as though the Major had not brought her any special information. "You will, Major Reid, forgive me," she said, "for having left you so suddenly, but your news startled me." "Naturally, quite naturally," he answered. He was clasping his stick between his two hands and leaning on it. His stick gave him a lot of support. "Quite naturally," he repeated. "As my dear Florence's mother--we will assume for the time being that I hold that position--you are quite right to tell me, Major Reid. But when--when did Michael give my dear girl to understand that he cared for her!" "As far as I can make out, he has always cared for her," said the Major; "but I don't think he showed her any serious attention until Christmas Day. You must have noticed that they were a good deal together then." "Oh well--I naturally observed that your son was pleased to be with the prettiest girl in the room." "Quite so; most natural, most natural," said the Major. "Well, yesterday they took a walk together, and then he told her that he--he loved her." "He ought to have spoken to me or to Mr Timmins." "I don't agree with you, madam," said the Major. "I think the person most concerned ought to be first talked to on so essential a matter. My boy is the very soul of honour. You know what a good family we belong to. The Reids of Ardnacarrick can hold up their heads with any one. It is true, I am only the younger son; but there is never any saying what my boy may inherit by and by. Anyhow, he is a good boy, a brave boy, a true soul. He spoke openly to the girl, and she--" "Yes; that is the important part," said Mrs Fortescue. "What did Florence say?" "She was wonderfully careful, all things considered." "I have taught her that," said Mrs Fortescue, drawing herself up. "I have taught her that of all qualities self-control is the most essential in the case of a woman." "She asked him," continued the Major, "to give her a week to decide. She has gone to town to-day. Most probably she will tell her guardian." "Oh dear, oh dear!" said Mrs Fortescue. Then she added, the colour rushing into her cheeks: "Do you think it was quite fair of your son to try to entangle Florence before she met any other man?" "Madam," said Major Reid, "I must not permit such a word. You must excuse me if I ask you to recall it. The Reids of Ardnacarrick may very justly unite themselves with any family in England." "I am saying nothing against you, Major; nor indeed against your son. But Florence has only just left school: she is but eighteen years of age, and will be, I understand, exceedingly well off. She has also great beauty. My hope was that I could take a house in London during the spring and bring both girls out."