146 
murmured forth their welcome and vied with each 
other to attract her attention. 
As she stood bewildered with delight, the En¬ 
fant de France” called to her. “ Have you come to 
be crowned?” said the lovely flower. “ In my na¬ 
tive land, a holy man once said, the most amiable, 
modest, discreet maiden of the village, should wear 
a crown of Roses, when we held our annual festival. 
If you will go to Salency, you will see them as¬ 
sembled there to-day, and happy she who gains the 
crown, for she must be the most beloved. Ah! 
well I remember the sweet Rosiere that watered 
my roots every day, and picked off all the insects 
that destroyed my buds. Will you not be my Ro¬ 
siere ?” 
Before Mary could answer, a Damask Rose spoke 
from the hedge. “ Can you keep a secret, little 
girl ?” she said. “ If you can, I should like to be 
