80 Lily and Water-Lily.

 

with strange, bright eyes, in which she seemed to
recognize the spirit of a friend. «

And as she looked at him he came forward and
took her hand.

“ Sweet little Pearl,” he said, “I have loved you
for a long time, although ‘until now I have been no
beautiful flower, but only a poor little insignificant
field-mouse. But to-day you have said that you
would rather have me for a friend than even the
fairest blossom of the glade, and by that word you
have made me what I am, and I have come to love
you and to be your friend for ever.”

With that he bent down and kissed Pearl, and led
her out into the broad white moonlight; but Ruby
remained beside the lily.

He remained beside it and looked down into its

pure and candid heart.
_ “J dare not pluck you, dear: lily,” he said.
“Through my care you have grown and thrived and
blossomed, and I love you too dearly. But I cannot
leave you. I will not leave you till you die.”