On arriving at the Bridge Marie, the young girl stopped, and leaning over the parapet, emptied the contents of her basket into the river.
The flowers separated, whirled round for an instant in the air, while the bouquets, dragged down by their weight, fell more quickly, till at last both flowers and bouquets floated upon the surface, following the course of the water.
"Stop!" said Arthémise, regarding the flower-girl thus strangely occupied; "it is said—but yes—but no—but if—ah! this is strange."
The flower-girl placed her finger on her lips, as if to entreat Arthémise to be silent, and disappeared.
"Who is this, then?" said Lorin; "do you know this mortal, goddess?"
"No; I fancied at first—but certainly I am deceived."
"She, however, made a sign to you," persisted Lorin.
"But why is she a flower-girl this morning?" said Arthémise to herself.
"You acknowledge, then, that you know her, Arthémise?" asked Lorin.