"I told Florimond to tell you. He always forgets those things!" I looked up inquiringly; there was that in her eye which might be the light of an unfallen tear. "But I don't know who you mean." "I am glad not. How silly I am! Oh, _madre mia_! this hot weather softens the brain, I do believe,--I should never have done it in the winter. And all this time I have been wondering what is that basket upon which Josephine seems to have set her whole soul." "It is for you," said Josephine. "Oh," I exclaimed, "how careless I am! Yes, but I do not know who it comes from. Franz brought it." "Young Delemann? Oh, thank him, please! I know very well. Here, then, _piccola, carina_! you shall have to open it. Where are the ivory scissors?" "Oh, how exquisite!" I cried; for I knew she meant those tiny fingers. "Exquisite, is it? It is again from the Chevalier." "Did he say so? I thought it like him; but you are so like him." "I well, I believe you are right,--there is a kind of likeness." She raised her eyes, so full of lustre, that I even longed for the lids to fall. The brilliant smile, like the most ardent sunlight, had spread over her whole face. I forgot her strange words in her unimaginable expression, until she spoke again. All this while the little one was untwisting the green bands which were passed over and under the basket. At length the cover was lifted: there were seven or eight immense peaches. I had thought there must be fruit within, from the exhaling scent, but still I was surprised. There was no letter. This disappointed me; but there were fresh leaves at the very bottom. My chief companion took out these, and laid each peach upon a leaf: her fingers shone against the downy blush. She presented me with one after another. "Pray eat them, or as many as you can; I do not eat fruit to-day, for it is too hot weather, and _she_ must not eat so many." I instantly began to eat, and made efforts to do even more than I ought. Josephine carried off her share on a doll's plate. Then her sister rose and took in a birdcage from outside the window, where it had hung, but I had not seen it. There was within it a small bird, and dull enough it looked until she opened the door, when it fluttered to the bars, hopped out, stood upon a peach, and then, espying me, flew straight into her bosom. It lay there hidden for some minutes, and she covered and quite concealed it with her lovely little hand. I said,-- "Is it afraid of me? Shall I go?" "Oh dear no!" she replied; "it does like you, and is only shy. Do you never wish to be hidden when you see those you like?" "I never have yet, but I daresay I shall, now I come to think about it." "You certainly will. This silly little creature is not yet quite sure of us; that is it." "Where did it come from?"