"I shouldn't mind in the least," answered Florence, "only that it seems to make such a wonderful difference with people. Mrs Fortescue has turned out so horribly nasty." "Oh no," said Susie. "She is quite natural; she will be all right in a day or two, and as affectionate to you as ever. She is a little disappointed, that is all. She takes her disappointments badly: some people do." "But you, Susie--you and your father--you are so sweet." "Well, dear," said Susie, "I do trust that our sweetness does not depend on the fact that you and Brenda are entitled to so many hundreds a year. I have always been fond of you just for your two selves and for nothing else." "There is one thing that makes me a little anxious," said Florence; "but, of course, it is all right--of course it is." "What is it, darling?" asked Susie. "You may as well out with it, for I can see plainly that you are harbouring a very uncomfortable and anxious thought in your heart." "Well," said Florence, "it is this way. I am thinking about Michael. I am wondering if--if he will mind." "Do you mean Michael Reid?" "Yes." Susie was silent, but she laid down the sharp knife with which she had been cutting her orange peel and looked full at the girl. "What do you think yourself, Florence?" "I think this," said Florence. "I think that if I doubt him I am about the most unworthy, the most cowardly girl in all God's world. For when he told me--oh yes, Susie, he did tell me--for when he told me so plainly that he loved me, he said it was for myself, and that if I were as poor as a church mouse, he would love me just, just the same." "Then, of course, it is all right," said Susie. She spoke cheerfully. "Yes; of course it must be all right," said Florence; "but I knew at the time that I was poor, although I was not allowed to say a word about it. Mr Timmins had given us such explicit directions, and Brenda and I felt ourselves in quite a false position. So I told him I would not give him his answer for a week. I shall probably know nothing about him for at least a week." "Probably not," said Susie. "And now, let me give you a word of advice. I have known Michael since he was a boy. He is a good fellow, as young men go; but he has plenty of faults--" "Oh no--I am sure he hasn't." "He has," said Susie. "Every one has. You have, and I have, and even daddy has--particularly when it comes to cutting the orange peel. But now, I will tell you what I feel. If Michael finds when he is put to the test that he doesn't care for you, although you are as poor as a church mouse, you are very well rid of him; and if he does care for you, he is worth waiting for." "Yes, yes," said Florence; "that is what I think. And oh, Susie, I mean to work so hard just to help to earn money for him." "You poor little thing!" said Susie. "I wonder how you will earn money."