"My dear little girl, what is the matter? I don't in the least understand," said Mrs. Hausen, who could not, as the saying is, "make head or tail" of Florry's account. "What had you to do with the loss of the red plant?"
"I took it," answered Florry, drying her eyes, and trying to speak plainly. "I was looking at the plants last night, and I saw this, with some others, over behind the trees—and—and—"
"Why, Florry Lester!" exclaimed Emma, whom Florry had not seen before, as she sat on a low seat in the window. "Well, if ever!"
"Hush, Emma!" said Mrs. Hausen, drawing Florry to her side. "And so you were tempted to take it. I dare say you thought I should not miss it among so many; and you gave way to the temptation, and carried it home. Was that the way?"
"Yes, ma'am," sobbed Flora.
"Well, and what then?"
"Then I was sorry the minute I thought what I had done; and I carried the plant home and hid it behind some bushes, till I could think what to do. And then I thought I would come and bring it back the first thing in the morning; and when I went to put it in a safer place, it was gone. So then I told mother how naughty I had been, and asked her what I should do; and she told me I must come and tell you all about it. And I felt so badly because I could not bring back the plant; and mother told me that if I asked God, he would show me how to make it up to you some way. So I did; and then I thought of my fuchsia, and I have brought it. And, oh, Mrs. Hausen, please do keep it!"
"Well, of all the girls in the world to do such a thing!" exclaimed Emma. "Why, I always thought you were just perfect, Florry. But it was good in her to give you her nice fuchsia; wasn't it?"
"It was right, my dear, and shows that Florry was in earnest. But, Florry, your fuchsia is worth a great deal more than my red plant was."
"Please, do take it," was all Florry could say.