hat is this?" asked she; and then she was sorry, fearing to have it
spoiled by some long unpronounceable name.

"Surely you have seen that--and you from Scotland? That's a gowan."

"A gowan!" She was on her knees beside it in a moment. "Is it the real
gowan, `that glints on bank and brae'? No, I never saw one; at least I
don't remember. I was only a child when I came away. Oh! how Graeme
would like to see them. And I must tell Janet. A real gowan! `Wee,
modest, crimson-tipped flower'--you mind? And here is a white one,
`With silver crest and golden eye.' Oh! if Graeme could only see them!
Give me just one for my sister who is ill. She has gathered them on the
braes at home."

"Ahem! I don't know," said her friend, in a changed voice. "These are
Miss Elphinstone's own flowers. I wouldna just like to meddle with
them. But you can ask her yourself."

Rose turned. The pretty young lady of the pony-carriage, was standing
beside her. Rose's confusion was too deep for words. She felt for a
minute as though she must run away, but thought better of it, and
murmured something about the flowers being so beautiful, and about not
wishing to intrude. The young lady's answer was to stoop down and
gather a handful of flowers, gowans, sweet peas, violets and mignonette.
When she gave them into Rose's hand she asked,--

"Is your sister very ill? I have seen the doctor going often to your
house."

"She is getting better now. She has been very ill. The doctor says she
will soon be well."

"And have you taken care of her all the time? Is there no one else?"

"I have taken care of her, Nelly Anderson and I, all the day, and our
brothers are home at night."

"I am glad she is getting better. Is she fond of flowers. Mr Stirling
is thinking I haven't arranged mine nicely, but you can do that when you
put them in water, you know."

"Oh! thank you. They are beautiful. Yes, Graeme is very fond of
flowers. This will be like a bit of summer to her, real summer in the
country, I mean. And besides, she has gathered gowans on the braes at
home."

"I am a Canadian," said the young lady. "I never saw the `gowany
braes,' but I shall see them soon."

They had reached the gate by this time.

"Come again, soon. Come into the garden, whenever you like. I am sure
Mr Stirling will like to show you his flowers, you are so fond of them.
I think a few of his would improve your bouquet."

Mr Stirling touched his ha