"At length Master Christian was compelled to speak; he could no longer control his impatience.
"'Mamma, do you like the way I have arranged the flowers? The room looks pretty, does it not?'
"'Yes, my child.'
"'I wanted it to look very bright to-day. So did you, did you not, mamma? Papa will be pleased when he comes.'
"'I hope so, my dear.'
"'And I shall tell him that it is not so every day, and that it is done for him. Shall I go for him now?'
"'Presently, my dear. Wait yet a little while.'
"'But, mamma, it was to be to-day, you know, and it is nearly afternoon. Just look at the clock, mamma, it is nearly two---- Ah, but you are tired, and I am worrying you! Now I will sit quite still, and when the clock strikes two, you shall tell me to go for papa. Say yes, or look it, mamma.'
"'Yes, my dear, at two o'clock you shall go. Denise will accompany you, for perhaps, Christian, your papa will think that the message comes from your affectionate heart, and not from me.'
"'That,' said Master Christian,' is because I have tried to bring papa to you before. But I did it out of love, mamma.'