86 STORIES FROM DAUDET

Sub-Prefect ; you will be much more
comfortable under my trees whilst you
compose your speech.’

The Sub-Prefect is tempted, he
jumps down from his chariot, and
tells his people to wait for him, that
he is going to prepare his speech in
the little wood of holm-oaks.

‘In the little wood of holm-oaks there
are birds, and violets and springs in
the soft grass. When they see the
Sub-Prefect with his fine knee-breeches ©
and his flowered shagreen case, the
birds are frightened, and cease singing,
the springs dare not make any noise,
and the violets hide their heads in the
turf. . . . All this little world has
never seen a Sub-Prefect before, and
they ask in whispers who this fine
gentleman who walks about in silver
breeches may be. ;

In a low voice under the bowering
trees they ask who is this fine gentle-
man in silver breeches. Meanwhile the
Sub-Prefect, enchanted with the silence