"
"Yet these are only considered mediocre. But the price of the finest
is so high."
"If we cannot buy them, we can at least admire them," the young girl
answered dryly.
With gathering smiles, the old woman took from the basket a bunch
which was indeed incomparable.
"And what is the price of that?" questioned the mother.
"How should I dare to fix a price? I leave it to you. But if you have
a little tea, I would willingly drink of it."
"In the admiration caused by your flowers, we have forgotten our
manners. Wait for one moment, while I fetch some boiling water."
As soon as the mother had left the room, the woman took a slight
parcel from her sleeve.
"What have you there?" asked Eternal Life.
"Something important which you must not see."
"Oh, but I must see it then."
"I shall not give it to you," said the cunning old woman. "Aya! You
have taken it from me by force!" she added, letting the parcel into
the girl's hand.
Impatiently the child untied the handkerchief, and recognized her
slipper. Her face flushed into scarlet, and she said with difficulty:
"A single one of these objects is of no use, ma-ma. Why did you show
it me?"
"I know a certain Lord who would give his life to have the pair. Will
you not consent to help me?"
Trembling all over, Eternal Life said to her softly:
"Since you know all, tell me his name and where he lives.
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