74 THE FLOWERS

your company! No; could I not take you by
the hand, and travel the world over with you!
But you have raised some anxious thoughts in
my mind. I have been considering what place
I occupy in that garden of which we have been
speaking.” She made no answer. I know not
what she thought ; but she took my hand and
kissed it, with a courtesy and tenderness which,
in one so young, were peculiarly touching.
I think she had a religious dread of flattering
me on a subject so important, yet was anxious
to show her gratitude and affection.

We passed on, and for the space of a quarter
of a mile pursued a straight and wide road,
which leads through the centre of the wood.
At length, coming to a spot where the shade
was exceedingly thick, she pointed to a very
narrow pathway which put itself into the road,
and asked me if I should object to follow her.
I knew the path; it led’ to a small but deep
valley, at the bottom of which ran a pure cold
stream ; but I was surprised at its being so
well known to the child, and asked her how
she came to be so well acquainted with the
windings of the forest.