The White Lily. 7

 

“The white lily!” repeated she. “I never plucked
the white lily!”

“But he is lying on your breast now,” said Ruby.

Pearl put down her little hand to her bosom. Yes ;
there lay the flower, as Ruby said.

“JT don’t understand,” murmured she. “What can
it mean? I’m sure I never picked the white lily.”

“No,” said a small voice at her side. “I picked
him.”

It was the mouse who had spoken.

Pearl looked down at him.

Ever since she had discovered his presence she had
held her hand over him in the old affectionate way
that she had been used to have towards him.

“You? Impossible,” said she.

“No; it was very difficult ; it took mea long time,
but it ‘8S not impossible,” he answered.

“Then it was very wicked and cruel of you, mousie,”
said Pearl. “For now the poor lily will die.”
~ “J know,” said the mouse. “I did it to save you.”

“To save me?” murmured Pearl.