Part 4 (1/2)

”I never did anything particular to injure her; I mean, everything came right for her,” continued Bertha; ”she could scarcely interfere. It is you whom I dread. You and your mother between you can do me harm; but, after all, even at your very worst I may not be deprived of my present comfortable home and my delightful future. But I do not choose to run the risk, so you must promise that you won't betray me.”

”Does mother know that Mrs. Aylmer--that Aunt Susan is staying at Dawlish?” continued Florence.

”She probably knows it by this time. Mrs. Aylmer has written her a note asking her to call to see her. She won't see you, so don't imagine it.”

”I don't want to see her.”

”Before your mother accepts that invitation, I want you to secure her silence; or, stay,” continued Bertha briskly, ”I will see her myself.”

She thought for a moment over a new idea which had come to her. Her lips then broke into smiles.

”How stupid of me!” she said. ”I never thought of your mother before; she is the very person. I will meet you to-morrow morning here, Florence, and then you can tell me what you decide. It will be all the better for you if you are wise: all the worse for you if you are silly.

Now go home, as I see you are dying to do so.”

Florence turned away from her companion without even bidding her good-bye: her heart was in a tumult. She scarcely knew what to say or what to do.

She did not want to injure Bertha, and yet she hated to feel that she was in her present position. She disliked her as much as it was possible for her to dislike anyone.

”She makes me feel bad,” thought the girl; ”she brings back the dreadful past. Oh, I was a wicked girl; but she helped to make me so. She brings back the dreadful, dreadful past.”

By the time she had reached her mother's cottage she resolved to tell her exactly what had transpired and to ask her advice.

”For the little Mummy must also have learned her lesson: the little Mummy will tell me what is right to do,” thought the girl.

But when she entered the house Mrs. Aylmer was nowhere to be seen.

Sukey, on the contrary, came forward with an important manner.

”Well, Miss Flo,” she said, ”when you come to the place, that aunt of yours seems also to put in an appearance. Your mother has had a note from her. She is staying at the 'Crown and Garter,' and Mrs. Aylmer has gone up there to tea. No, you are not invited, Miss Flo, and sorry I am that you are not.”

”It doesn't matter, Sukey,” replied Florence. She sighed as she spoke.

”Have you a bit of a headache, my dear?” asked the old servant.

”Yes, I think I have,” answered the girl.

”I'll get you your tea, and the tea for the other pretty young lady too.

You can have it in the porch. It's a lovely evening. It don't do for girls to have headaches; but there's nothing to set you right like a cup of tea.”

Sukey bustled off to prepare the simple meal, and presently Kitty came downstairs. She was refreshed by her sleep and inclined to be merry with Florence. Florence, however, felt too anxious to talk much.

”What is the matter with you, Florry? Are you worried about anything?”

asked the companion. ”Oh, I suppose it is about that wretched Bertha Keys. What can she be doing here?”

”You'll be amazed when I tell you that I saw Bertha this afternoon,”

continued Florence. ”Where do you think she is staying? What post do you think she has secured?”