"Yet these are only considered mediocre. But the price of the finest is so high."
"If we cannot buy them, we can at least admire them," the young girl answered dryly.
With gathering smiles, the old woman took from the basket a bunch which was indeed incomparable.
"And what is the price of that?" questioned the mother.
"How should I dare to fix a price? I leave it to you. But if you have a little tea, I would willingly drink of it."
"In the admiration caused by your flowers, we have forgotten our manners. Wait for one moment, while I fetch some boiling water."
As soon as the mother had left the room, the woman took a slight parcel from her sleeve.
"What have you there?" asked Eternal Life.
"Something important which you must not see."
"Oh, but I must see it then."