PATH THROUGH THE CORNFIELDS 127 



A long stretch of the tallest, whose unbound 

 hair, as it drops from her shoulders, is of the same 

 hue as the yellow grain with which it mingles, 

 secures the first prize. This turns out to be a large 

 flower of a pink hue, a member of the graceful 

 group of the campions. The familiar name is corn- 

 cockle ; but whether these girls have one of their 

 own for it, as they have for most things, I could 

 not catch. But, name or no name, they all agree 

 that it is fair as any flower of the garden ; and 

 there is some competition among the younger 

 members to carry it. 



A rush, and a ripple of maiden voices, tell of 

 another flower in sight. It is a little farther afield. 

 What with the competition and the impetus of the 

 race, the winner steps or is pushed just a foot or so 

 among the grain, leaving a little gap of bent stalks 

 and drooping heads. Silence falls on the group, 

 and a timid glance is cast up and down the road to 

 see if any of the farm people have been looking. 

 Then the grain is straightened once more, so that 

 no one could have told that anything had happened. 



This is a still lovelier prize than the other. 

 What blue in nature can compare with the 

 circle of florets round the pink disc of the field 

 cyanea ? 



