86 THE FLOWERS

the jasmines yellow, for envy to find that their
bloom and sweetness were entirely surpassed by
those who had chosen them for ornaments,

This species of light and trifling conversa-
tion had proceeded for some time, when the
Baronne took her place beneath the statue,
and having commanded the band to cease
their strain, caused the crown to be handed
to her; whilst, by the direction of Madame
Bulé, the young ladies formed a half circle
around her, the rest of the company, of
whatever degree they might be, gathering
close in the back ground.

There was a momentary pause and dead
silence in the company, whilst a servant
climbed up the high pedestal of the statue,
and carefully lifted the crown from the head.
It was then delivered into the hands of the
Baronne, and, as I stood next to her, I saw
that it was a beautiful thing ; it was not of
real myrtle, which would presently have
faded, but was an imitation of myrtle, the
leaves being formed of foil, the flowers of
gold and mother-of-pearl, and the berries. of
coral! It was beautifully executed, and the