Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/61

 fingers are never idle; besides clothing her many sisters, she finds time to fashion garments for some gentlewomen poorer than she, and not less proud."

"That morning-glory is well fitted to typify the flower she wears," said Margaret.

"Yes; she is to be the maiden queen of our carnival revels."

"She is very beautiful, but she looks almost too slight to bear the burden even of a crown of pleasure."

"You will see her carry her honors regally, and yet modestly."

The living chain of flowers linked together two by two passed gayly by, and were soon lost in the surging crowd of holiday folk. The fête was at its height, and our two pilgrims of pleasure felt this hour to be the fairest of the day as they sat a little withdrawn from the current of passing people, and yet not out of sympathy with them. Robert, leaning back, with the soft leaves of the jessamine-vine touching his cheek, gave a sigh of pleasure, and after a short pause spoke again to his companion, just for the happiness of hearing her voice in answer to his question.

"Life is pleasant to you now?"

"Yes, very, very pleasant; and I believe that I have earned the right to enjoy it. It is very long since I have played."