Tears rushed to her eyes. She stayed for a time in her room, then finished her dressing. She went downstairs to breakfast. To her surprise Mrs Fortescue was not in the room. After a moment's hesitation, she rang the bell. Bridget appeared. "What is it, missie?" she asked. "I want my breakfast, please," said Florence. "My missis sent to tell you that there were no fresh eggs in the house, so that perhaps you would do with the cold ham. I don't see why fresh eggs should not be bought for you, but those were her orders, I'll make you some new coffee, nice and strong, and bring it in, in a few minutes." Florence laughed. Her laughter was almost satirical. In a short time, Bridget came in with the coffee and a bone of ham which had been cut very bare. "I can't make out," said Bridget, "what is the matter with my missis. I never saw anybody in such a raging temper." "But where is she?" asked Florence. "Oh, gone out, my dear--gone out. She has been out nearly an hour." "Did she eat any breakfast?" asked Florence. "That she did--the eggs that were meant for you, too; for you know she never takes eggs in the winter; she considers them too dear. But she ate your eggs this morning, and said that you might do with the ham bone." "Thank you," said Florence. She carved a few slices from the bone, then looked up at the old servant with a smile. "It is such a relief," she said, "not to conceal things any longer. I will tell you, Bridget. I wonder if you are going to be just as horrid to me as Mrs Fortescue." Bridget stood stock still staring at the girl. "The fact is," said Florence, "Brenda and I haven't got any money. We're not heiresses at all. We are just very poor girls who have to earn our own living. We have nothing to live on--nothing at all. I expect if all were known, you have more money at the present moment than I have, Bridget. I shouldn't be a scrap surprised if you had." Bridget stared open-mouthed. "You poor thing!" she said, after a pause. "You ain't a bit fit to earn your own living." "No; I am not," said Florence; but here a ghost of a smile crossed her face. Bridget after a time went out of the room. Florence did not feel at all inclined to eat the dry ham and stale bread, which were all that was left for her breakfast. She had a certain sense of the great injustice of being treated in this manner; for was not Mr Timmins paying Mrs Fortescue just as much for her support as though she and her sister were both living with the good lady?