THE SNOW DROP. 21 



then, seating herself beside me, entered into con- 

 versation. After a while, I reminded her of the 

 flowers : ' Presently,' was the answer ; and she 

 then commenced a long history of her childhood, 

 which was indeed one of extraordinary inter- 

 est. Hours passed away ; and I, seeing the flowers 

 begin to droop, once more asked her if she intend- 

 ed to let them die ? She rose, with a long sigh ; 

 and kneeling down beside a chair, slowly com- 

 menced arranging the rich variety before her. I 

 thought she had never looked so touchingly forlorn, 

 as when, with her black garments spreading around, 

 and her pale sorrowful face bent over the glowing 

 heaps of roses, carnations, and every brilliant child 

 of June, she pursued her task, filling several vases 

 with the bouquets thus formed. 



She brought me my dinner, and then dressed, 

 and conducted me into my study, where she had 

 placed the flowers with such exquisite state, that 

 I cried out in delight, ' O Theresa, you shall be 

 my florist in ordinary: what a beautiful display 

 you have made ! She seated herself b" my side 

 on the sofa, kissed me, and said, 'Now, V .er this, 

 you are never to doubt that I love you.' 



1 Doubt it, my dear friend ! I could not if I tried : 

 but you have given me stronger proofs of it than 

 this, much as your taste and ingenuity are now dis- 

 played on my behalf.' 



1 No — I never gave you such a proof before !' 



