280 



THE FLORIST. 



largonium compactum (salmon-colour), raised a little above the other 

 flowers ; last in order was a row of Dahlias and Roses placed al- 

 ternately; and surrounding the whole, Fern -leaves. 



While studying these manoeuvres, I had resolved, if possible, to 

 impress the knowledge thus acquired more thoroughly on the mind 

 by making there and then a bouquet ; and seeing the bouquetiere now 

 little occupied, I stated my wishes, and readily obtained permission. 

 My instructress being otherwise engaged, did not notice my proceed- 

 ings until the bouquet was nearly completed, when to her astonish- 

 ment she discovered -a fac-simile of her own. " C'est mon habitude, 

 Monsieur," said she with unfeigned surprise ; '* c'est mon habitude!" 

 " Et moi aussi," was my reply. "Ah!" rejoined she, "c'est la 

 mode d' Anglais." Her attention being called off in another direc- 

 tion, I had not the opportunity of undeceiving her, although the 

 gravity with which my attendant, who was in the secret, regarded 

 the whole proceeding excited my risibility more than once. But the 

 pleasant hours passed in the morning air had given me a keen appe- 

 tite; and having purchased the bouquet, and placed the pot of 

 Forget-me-not beneath my arm, I left the market. 



Kryptos. 



mm: 



