But she would by no means give way when urged to acknowledge that no marriage between Florence and the captain was any longer to be regarded as possible.

While the captain was away the matter should be left as if in abeyance; but this by no means suited the young lady's views.

Mrs.Mountjoy was not a reticent woman, and had no doubt been too free in whispering among her friends something of her daughter's position.

This Florence had resented; but it had still been done, and in Cheltenham generally she was regarded as an engaged young lady.

It had been in vain that she had denied that it was so.