They were, moreover, to leave a place in the middle of the seat entirely clear.

They asked what that was for.

Mary said that they would see by-and-by.

"You must always do just as I say," she added, "and perhaps I shall explain the reason afterwards, or perhaps you will see what the reason is yourselves." After going on in this way until a sufficient number and variety of flowers were collected, Mary took her seat in the vacant place which had been left, and assigned the two portions of the seat upon which the flowers had been placed to the children, giving each the charge of the flowers upon one portion, with instructions to select and give to her such as she should call for.

From the flowers thus brought she formed two bouquets, one for each of the children.