30 THE FLOWERS

the very bottom of the garden, cowering down
under the shade of a laurustinus, and deeply
engaged in reading a very small book. She
was instantly seized upon by Susette and
Fanchon, who both sprang upon her at the

 

same instant, and dragged her between them
into the awful presence of Mademoiselle Vic-
toire.

The little captive uttered no sound, and
used but little resistance: but when brought
directly before Mademoiselle Victoire, she fell
on her knees, and pointing to Susette, seemed
to be earnestly imploring some favour of the