Mrs. Vandecar turned upon her visitor searchingly.
"Are you doing right, Ann, in taking these children into your home life? I appreciate your good-heartedness; but--"
"Horace and I have talked it all over," interjected Ann, "and we are both assured that we are doing what is right. Won't you think it over, and let us know what you decide? If you find you can't do it--why, we'll arrange some other way."
The plan of naming the children came into her mind; but she hesitated before broaching it. Mrs. Vandecar was a type of everything high-bred and refined. Would it offend her aristocratic sense to have the children named after her and her husband? Ann overcame her timidity and spoke: "Fledra, there's another thing I wanted to speak of. The children came to us without proper names, and Horace suggested that we call them Floyd and Fledra. Would you mind?"
Mrs. Vandecar drew back a little, a shade passing over her face. A painful memory ever present seized her. Long ago two babies had been called after their father and mother--after her and her strong husband. Could she admit that she did not care? Could she consent to Ann's request? Ann noted her struggle, and said quickly: "I'm sorry--forgive me, Dear!"
Mrs. Vandecar's face brightened, and she smiled.
"I thought at first that I didn't want you to; but I won't be foolish. Of course, call them whatever you wish. Floyd won't mind, either."
* * * * *
Horace met his sister expectantly.
"Did you ask her about the names, Ann?"
"Yes. At first she was not inclined to either of our plans; but she has such a tender heart."
"So she has," responded Horace.
"She consented about the names; but said that she would send me word about the school."
"And she didn't give a ready consent?"
"No; but I'm almost sure that she will do it. And now about Flea. Did you talk with her?"
"Yes. She consented to go to school, and said--that I was the best old duffer in New York State."
"Oh, Horace! She must be taught not to use such language. It's dreadful! Poor little dear!"
"It'll take sometime to alter that," replied Horace, shaking his head. "They've had a fearful time, and she's been used to talking that way always; she's heard nothing else. You can't alter life's habits in a day."
"But Madame Duval won't have her if she's impudent," said Ann.