22 WILD FLOWERS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 



came to an old deserted boat that was lying close up under the 

 bank, and behind it and just above the top, I saw a pair of dark- 

 brown eyes. 



"Did you write that for me?" I asked. 



" Yes, mum," and the bright eyes twinkled. 



" How did you know I was looking for flowers ?" 



" Oh, I heard you ask at the hotel if there were any wild 

 flowers growing on the beach, and I just knew there was, and I 

 rim ahead to let you know." 



" You are very good," I said. " Come out and let me see 

 you, and if you will go with me I shall be glad to see the 

 flowers." She stood up and I found her to be a young girl 

 about eleven years old, and the daughter of a fisherman living 

 near the beach. She was a bright interesting little thing, and 

 loved flowers. She gave me much information as we walked 

 along, and when we reached this patch of wild thrift, I was 

 informed that it was " the only lot that had blossomed this spring." 



As I made my sketch she chatted, and often the little face 

 with the pretty brown eyes would get between my brush and 

 the blossoms I was sketching. 



" I would just like some paints like yours. I'd paint every 

 flower as fast as they came out, if I had the paints." 



" You shall have a box for your kindness," I said, " and a 

 lesson also, if you will come to the hotel with me." She was 

 the happiest child that night in Santa Cruz. I believe she will, 

 some day, be a fine artist, as she showed wonderful talent in 

 one so young. 



