96 Lily and Water-Lily.

 

“Twill be a better posy than a handful of gentian
and mountain-pink, at any rate,” laughed Judith;
“and though thou wilt not risk thy life, o’ my think-
ing, thou mayst wet thy feet, and that would be a
peril to thee.”

Michael took no notice of the taunt, but it seemed "

as though Salome did, for the momentary betrayal of
anxiety for her lover was quickly followed by a return
of her former hardness as she replied—

“T have no need for posies. Neither is it with me
that thou hast to reckon, Michael d’Orsiguet, but with
my father.”

“Nay, come now, Salome,” declared the Mother
Falaise, “every one knows well enough that it is thou
who art mistress at the farm. Be not so haughty,
maiden. It becometh thee not.”

The last words were spoken in a low tone.as the
dame took her turn at the spring; but Salome took
no notice, and, without another word, slowly began
her ascent towards the farm.

“Salome is no fool, after all,” laughed Judith.