Florence, in this way, was taken up stairs and found herself seated by a
fire, while three pairs of hands were taking from her her shawls and hat
and cloak, almost before she knew where she was.

"It is so odd to have you here," said Fanny. "We have only one brother,
so, of course, we shall make very much of you. Isn't she nice, mamma?"

"I'm sure she is; very nice. But I shouldn't have told her so before her
face, if you hadn't asked the question."

"That's nonsense, mamma. You musn't believe mamma when she pretends to
be grand and sententious. It's only put on as a sort of company air, but
we don't mean to make company of you."

"Pray don't," said Florence.

"I'm so glad you are come just at this time," said Mary. "I think so
much of having Harry's future wife at my wedding. I wish we were both
going to be married the same day."

"But we are not going to be married for ever so long. Two years hence
has been the shortest time named."

"Don't be sure of that, Florence," said Fanny. "We have all of us
received a special commission from Harry to talk you out of that heresy;
have we not, mamma?"

"I think you had better not tease Florence about that immediately on her
arrival. It's hardly fair." Then, when they had drunk their tea,