The rest of this story can be told in a few words.  It would be impossible to depict the astonishment, the consternation, the amazement which Sir John felt when he read poor Florence's confession.  After thinking matters over a short time, he sent for Mrs. Clavering, and he and that good woman had a long conference together.  The upshot of it was that the guests were allowed to depart without knowing what had really happened, Sir John saying that he would write to them afterwards.