her forehead, and secured behind with a large bow of scarlet ribbon;
her dress was of rich silk, with hanging sleeves; a profusion of
yellow lace, and a dozen rosettes affixed to the dress, in front, set
off the costume admirably, and gave to the young girl that pretty
attractive _toute ensemble_ which corresponded with her real
character.

As she followed Verty's movements, the frank little face wore a very
pleasant smile, and at times she would pick up and hand to him a leaf
or a bud, which attention he rewarded with a smile in return.

At last the wreath was finished, and, rising up, Verty placed it on
Redbud's forehead.

"How nicely it fits," he said; "who would have imagined that my
awkward fingers could have done it?"

Redbud sat down with a slight color in her cheek.

"I am very much obliged to you, Verty," she said; "it was very good in
you to make this for me--though I don't deserve it."

"Indeed you do--you are my queen: and here is the right place for me."

So saying, Verty smiled, and lay down at the feet of Redbud, leaning
on the trellised bench, and looking up into that young lady's eyes.

"You look so pretty!" he said, after a silence of some moments, "so
nice and pretty, Redbud!"