The young lady blushed and entered the carriage, followed by her impatient companion, who beckoned Julia towards him.
"Here," he said, tossing a silver coin into her basket, "give me those buds, quick, and then get out of the way, or you will be trampled down."
Julia held up her basket, half terrified by the impatience that broke from the dark eyes bent upon her.
"There, sweet one, these might have ripened on your own smile: kiss them for my sake!" said the man, gently bending with his fragrant gift toward his lovely companion.
His voice, soft, sweet and harmonious, fell upon the child's heart also; and while the tones melted into her memory, she shuddered as the flower may be supposed to shrink when a serpent creeps by.
CHAPTER II. THE OLD COUPLE.
There is no spot so dark on earth,
But love can shed bright glimmers there,
Nor anguish known, of human birth,