e could not endure the
idea of failing in such a cause. "Oh, Florence, I think you are so
wrong," she said.

"You would feel as I do, if you were in my place."

"But people cannot always judge best when they feel the most. What you
should think of is his happiness."

"So I do; and of his future career."

"Career! I hate to hear of careers. Men do not want careers, or should
not want them. Could it be good for-him to marry a woman who has done as
she has, simply because she has made herself rich by her wickedness? Do
you believe so much in riches yourself?"

"If he loves her best, I will not blame him," said Florence. "He knew
her before he had seen me. He was quite honest and told me all the
story. It is not his fault if he still likes her the best."

Chapter XXXVIII

Florence Burton Makes Up A Packet

When they reached Onslow Crescent, the first half-hour was spent with
the children, as to whom Florence could but observe that even from their
mouths the name of Harry Clavering was banished. But she played with
Cissy and Sophie, giving them their little presents from Stratton; and
sat with the baby in her lap, kissing his pink feet and making little
soft noises for his behoof sweetly as she might have done if no terrible
crisis in her own life had now come upon her. Not a tear as yet had
moistened her eyes, and Cecilia was partly aware that Florence's weeping
would be done in secret. "Come up with me into my own room; I have
something to show you," she said, as the nurse took the baby at last;
and Cissy and Sophie were at the same time sent away with their brother.
"As I came in I got a note from Harry, but, before you see that, I must
show you the letter which he wrote to me on Friday. He has gone down to
Clavering--on some business--for one day." Mrs. Burton, in her heart,
could hardly acquit him of having run out of town at the moment to avoid
the arrival of Florence.

They went upstairs, and the note was, in fact, read before the letter.
"I hope there is nothing wrong at the parsonage," said Florence.

"You see he says he will come back after one day."

"Perhaps he has gone to tell them--of this change in his prospects."

"No, dear, no; you do not yet understand his feelings. Read his letter,
and you will know more. If there is to be a change, he is at any rate
too much ashamed of it to speak of it. He does not wish it himself. It
is simply this--that she has thrown herself in his way, and he