90 THE FLOWERS

When the Baronne had ceased to read, she
looked wp, and her eyes were directed to
Aimée. “The lily of the valley,” she said, “is
the acknowledged emblem of humility; this
sweet flower conceals its beauties within its
verdant covering; it is spotless, pure, and
fragrant; its leaves have a cooling and healing
influence; it loves retirement and shade, yet
when brought to view is exquisitely lovely.
The lily, therefore, I must consider as the best-
chosen ornament for a youthful female, and
therefore I must adjudge my crown to her that
wears the lily.”

There was a murmur of applause through-
out the assembly on this decision, and every
eye was fixed on the little girl, who came
blushing forward at the command of the
lady.

“ Aimée,” said the Baronne, as the dear
child bowed humbly before her, “I rejoice
that I can, with a sincere feeling of love and
esteem, bestow on you this simple preference ;
your character has long been known to me ;
and the humility and meekness of your con-
duct, since you. entered the family of Madame