"A mullein leaf? what do you want it for?"
"I want it to make a drinking-cup of," said Fleda, her intent bright eyes peering keenly about in every direction.
"A mullein leaf! that is too rough; one of these golden leaves
what are they? will do better, wont it?"
"That is hickory," said Fleda. " No; the mullein leaf is the best because it holds the water so nicely. Here it is."
And folding up one of the largest leaves into a most artist- like cup, she presented it to Mr. Carleton.
"For me was all that trouble?" said he. "I don't deserve it."
"You wanted something, Sir," said Fleda. "The water is very cold and nice."
He stooped to the bright little stream, and filled his rural goblet several times.
"I never knew what it was to have a fairy for my cup-bearer before," said he. "That was better than anything Bordeaux or Xeres ever sent forth."
He seemed to have swallowed his seriousness, or thrown it away with the mullein leaf. It was quite gone.