perior nature to that of the lady, and asserted that the roses were grown pale, and the jessamines yellow, for envy, to find that their bloom and sweetness were entirely surpassed by those who had chosen them for ornaments.

This species of light and trifling conversation had proceeded for some time, when the Baronne took her place beneath the statue, and having commanded the band to cease their strain, caused the crown to be handed to her; while, by the direction of Madame Bulé, the young ladies for med a half circle around her, the rest of the company, of whatever degree they might be, gathered close in the back ground.

There was a momentary pause and deep silence in the company, while a servant climbed upon the high pedestal of the statue and carefully lifted the crown from the head. It was then delivered into the hands of the Baronne, and as I stood next to her, I saw that it was a beautiful thing; it was not of real myrtle, which would presently have faided, but was an imitation of myrtle, the leaves being formed of foil, the flowers of gold and mother of pearl, and the berries of coral; it was beautifully executed, and

the motto, in letters of gold, wrought on a blus riband, twisted into the wreath. The Viscountesse de T who stood on the right hand of the Baronne, as I did on the left, would have taken it for a moment into her own hands, exclaiming, Permit me, madame! ah, how beautiful! it is perfectly captivating! But the Baronne would not part with it from her hand, nor suffer the golden letters on the blue riband to be read.

I am, I feel, she said, in a perilous situation; I am about to make a choice amidst so many beauties, that I shall be in danger of incurring the odium of possessing a bad taste in still rejecting the most worthy, let my choice fall where it will; and I, therefore, have nothing but my motto to depend upon to extricate me from this difficulty, therefore none must see my motto till I choose to show it myself.

The Baronne then paused, and looked around her, and as her eyes ran along the lovely circle, I saw that several of the young ladies changed colour, especially the two at the head, namely, Susette and Fanchon; and such was indeed the charming bloom of one of these young ladies,

and the elegance of the other, that I never doubted but that the crown would be adjudged to one of them.

You are at a loss, Madame, I see, said the Conte de S, and I cannot wonder at your embarrassment? there are so many beautiful figures in this circle, that it would be very difficult to say to whom the golden apple ought to be given.

Pardon me, replied the lady, in a voice which, though low, was so distinct as to be heard by all present, but you have mistaken my intention -it is not on the most beautiful or the most accomplished, the fairest or the ruddiest, the most witty or the most discreet, that my crown is to be given, but to her who, in my opinion, understands how to select the most becoming orna

ment.

So far we understand Madame, said the Abbé, nor would we be so impolite as to question your taste. Madame la Baronne can never be supposed to judge amiss in the eyes of persons of discernment, but perhaps we may not all here present be persons of discernment, and Madame has undertaken to render every person in this

company satisfied with her decision, and she depends upon her motto to stop the mouths of every one. Indeed, Madame, unless your motto is a very extraordinary one, I do declare, (and he shrugged up his shoulders and smiled,) you are in great peril. I am, I confess, in great pain for you, Madame.

Well then, my friend, replied the Baronne, I will hasten to place you at ease. Ladies and gentlemen, you shall hear my motto, and I am assured that no one here present will dispute its authority when I assure them that it is divine, and that it is taken from the Holy Scripture. So saying she untwisted the riband from the myrtle crown; and stating that the passage was addressed by St. Peter to his female converts, she proceeded to read it in a soft, yet clear and distinct voice; it was to the following effect :Whose adorning let it not be that outward ador. ning of plaiting the hair, or of wearing gold, or putting on of apparel; but let it be the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.-1 Peter, iii, 3.

CHAPTER VI.

WHEN the Baronne had ceased to read, she looked up, and her eyes were directed to Aimée. The lily of the valley, she said, is the acknowledged emblem of humility; this sweet flower conceals its beauties within its verdant covering; it is spotless, pure, and fragrant; its leaves have a cooling and healing influence; it loves retirement and shade, yet when brought to view is exquisitely lovely. The lily, therefore, I must consider as the best chosen ornament for a youthful female, and therefore I must adjudge my crown to her that wears the lily.

There was a murmur of applause throughout the assembly on this decision, and every eye was fixed on the little girl, who came blushing forward at the command of the lady.

Aimée said the Baronne, as the lovely child bowed humbly before her, I rejoice that I can, with a sincere feeling of love and esteem, bestow on you this simple preference; your character