Dorothy and Nancy, returning from their walk, saw the group, and also noticed Mrs. Fenton, who always chose to sit apart from the others.
"I'll give my flowers to mamma and Mrs. Vinton," said Dorothy.
"And I'll give mine to Aunt Charlotte and to Mrs. Fenton,—if she wants them," said Nancy, hesitating because it was so hard to guess what might, or might not, please Mrs. Fenton.
Dorothy ran to show her blossoms to her mamma and to Mrs. Vinton, while Nancy, pausing beside Mrs. Fenton's chair, held forth her pretty bouquet, as she said:
"We've just gathered them. Aren't they pretty?"
"Lovely, very lovely," said Mrs. Fenton, with more interest than usual. "I remember picking just such flowers; even the long vines I know are like those I used to see when I was a little girl."
"Would you enjoy some of these? I'd so like to give them to you," Nancy said, and she was surprised at the quick reply.
"I would really prize them, Nancy, and you're a sweet child to give them to me," she said.
Quickly Nancy divided the bouquet, and smiled as she laid the pretty things in Mrs. Fenton's lap.
"I cannot let them wilt, so I will take them at once to my room," said Mrs. Fenton, and Nancy saw her bend to catch their perfume, as she turned toward the hall.