‘ My dear Mrs Finching,’ Arthur began, struck by the good tone again.
‘ Oh not that nasty ugly name, say Flora!’
‘ Flora. I assure you, Flora, I am happy in seeing you once more, and in finding that, like me, you have not forgotten the old foolish dreams, when we saw all before us in the light of our youth and hope.’
‘ You don’t seem so,’ pouted Flora, ‘you take it very coolly, but however I know you are disappointed in me, I suppose the Chinese ladies—Mandarinesses if you call them so—are the cause or perhaps I am the cause myself, it’s just as likely.’
‘ No, no,’ Clennam entreated, ‘don’t say that.’
‘ Oh I must you know,’ said Flora, in a positive tone, ‘what nonsense not to, I know I am not what you expected, I know that very well.’
In the midst of her rapidity, she had foun
