The Harvester flushed, but continued, “I am offering something especially intended for young women. If there are none, I will not trouble you.”
“There are several.”
“Will you please ask them if they would care for bouquets of violets, fresh from the woods?”
“How much are they, and how large are the bunches?”
“Prices differ, and they are the right size to appear well. They had better see for themselves.”
The maid reached for the basket, but the Harvester drew back.
“I keep them in my possession,” he said. “You may take a sample.”
He lifted the leaves and drew forth a medium-sized bunch of long-stemmed blue violets with their leaves. The flowers were fresh, crisp, and strong odours of the woods arose from them.
“Oh!” cried the maid. “Oh, how lovely!”
She hurried away with them and returned carrying a purse.