88 THE FLOWERS

the head, namely, Susette and Fanchon ; and
such indeed was the glowing bloom of one of
these young ladies, and the elegance of the
other, that I never doubted but that the
crown would be adjudged to one of them.

“You are at, a loss, Madame, I see,” said
the comte de S , “and I cannot wonder
at your embarrassment ; there are so many
beautiful figures in this circle, that it would
be very difficult to say to whom the golden
apple ought to be given.”

“Pardon me, monsieur,” replied the lady,
in a voice which, though low, was so distinct
as to be heard by all present ; “but you have
mistaken my intention: it is not to the most
beautiful or the most accomplished, the fairest
or the ruddiest, the most witty or the most
discreet, that my crown is to be given; but to
her who, in my opinion, understands how to
select the most becoming ornament.”

“So far we understand, Madame,” said the
Abbé ; “nor would we be so impolite as to
question your taste. Madame la Taronne
can never be supposed to judge amiss in the
eyes of persons of discernment, but perhaps
we may not all here present be persons of
discernment ; and Madame has undertaken