OF THE FOREST. 93

shoulders, and laying it on the grass at the
Baroness’s feet. “I am neither worthy to
wear the lily nor the crown ; sweet lady, place
the crown upon the garland, and then I will
endeavour to merit both; at least,” she added,
“if not in life, yet perhaps in death, for then
—then I shall be .” But we could not
catch the last part of the sentence, for the
little girl was unable to speak clearly by
reason of her tears.

“ Aimée! lovely, lovely Aimée! sweet, sweet
child! you have conquered,” exclaimed the
Baronne, laying the crown at her feet upon
the garland; and then coming forward, she
embraced the child, and wept as she pressed
her to her heart.

 

It was an awful feeling that impresséd
the company at that moment; the tear was
in every eye. The abbé whispered to me,
“ Heaven have mercy upon me, a sinner! If
that child thinks herself impure in the eyes
even of her fellow-creatures, what am I in the
sight of God?” And he crossed himself. I
heard expressions of the same nature from
many mouths; and Susette pleased me much,
by assuring me that she now felt ashamed of