142 BEYOND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS.

this side of the Blue Mountains. They belong to the King’s country,
and have a great many virtues.”

“They are most lovely,’ said Primrose, clasping her hands.
* Look at them, Martha, look at them—it rests my eyes even to see
these pure and beautiful flowers.”

“They are meant to rest. not only the eyes, but the head,” said
Asphodel. ‘‘ The heads that wear them will never ache again; the
eyes that look at them will shed no more tears. Come, children, put
them on at once, and then follow me; for the day is passing, and we
have much to do before night comes.”

Primrose and Martha immediately put on the wreaths of white
flowers, which resembled lilies, and yet were different, then they ate
some honey and a little cake, and feeling refreshed, and strong, and
happy, followed Iris, who led them through a wide white marble hall
and across a courtyard, in the middle of which a fountain played, into
a garden at the other side.

This garden was full of flowers, all of which were familiar, and
yet not quite familiar, to Primrose. She ran up with rejoicing to
a little patch of violets, to start away again with a cry almost of
Sorrow.

“They are different from the violets which used to grow in
mother’s garden at home,” she said, turning to Martha. “TI feel glad,
and yet I feel sorry, when I look at them.”

“ But they are just the same,” replied Martha.

“No, they are not,” replied Primrose. ‘‘See how large they are ;
notice what a delicious smell they have; and then, they are none of
them withered : they are all perfect. I think I lke the old imperfect
flowers better than these.”

While Primrose was speaking Amethyst came up and stood near
her. ‘ What is the matter?” she said. ‘‘ Don’t you lke my violets ?
Are you still pining, little Primrose, for the flowers which grew in
your garden at home?”

“ Not pining,” said Primrose; “ but I can’t forget the old home,
nor the pleasure the imperfect flowers used to give me.”

“You are never meant to forget them. But come, my sisters are