82 THE FLOWERS

compliments to the Baronne on the arrange-
ment of the scene, the amiable instructress
and her numerous train appeared at the end
of the avenue.

“There come our queens of the May,” said
the Baronne; and she ordered a beautiful and
lively air to be struck up, whilst she advanced
with the ladies and gentlemen of the party to
meet the elegant procession. And elegant
indeed it was, elegant and gay, and various
and fragrant. First came Susette and Fanchon,
the rival queens, all attired in white, and
decorated, the one with rosebuds, the other
with the azure creeper before mentioned ;
ribands of rose-colour and of blue were mingled
with the several garlands ; the next pair were
the acanthus and the laurel, with scarfs of
green and purple; then came the fragrant
hyacinth and the auricula ; the woodbine and
the columbine adorned another smiling pair ;
and as each couple passed by the group of
ladies and gentlemen, they greeted and were
greeted by smiles and courtesies, as gracefully
bestowed and received as if the lawn had been
a royal presence-chamber, and the Baronne
a crowned head. As each pair passed the
Baronne, the parties separated, and formed