168 BRAGGADOCIO.

“What! are you going, Tom?” exclaimed
Bessie, who was enjoying highly her conversa-
tion with the kind stranger to whom she had
given the bouquet.

“Yes, Bessie; I have finished my business.”

“T must go and say good-bye,” and Bessie
stepped back to the drawing-room, set the
pretty basket upon a chair, and then making
her courtesy, darted out of the room.

Mr. Starr walked with the children to the
gate. When they reached it, Tom exclaimed:

‘Bessie, you have left your basket! Go
back and get it.”

“J left it on purpose,” replied Bessie quickly,
her red cheeks glowing more brightly than
ever. “ Ada would not take my flowers, and I
would not keep her basket.”

“T am afraid you are proud, Bessie,” said
Mr. Starr.

“JT am too proud to take anything from
people who despise me,” replied Bessie, with a
slight toss of her pretty head, as she put on
the bonnet, which till now she had been hold-
ing in her hand.

“T shall talk to you about this another time,”