night on the wreath and crown. It looked a hopeless task, but she made the best of it. In the morning she quietly slipped out to the woods, but returned as she had gone—empty handed. Passing through the kitchen to her room she averred that never had she had such difficulty trying to bind a pretty bridal-crown. The maids felt sorry for her, and offered to run to still other cottages to beg myrtle.
"No, thank you," she said, "it's too late now. The bride and groom may be here at any moment."
She went into her room and stuck a few more leaves into the crown and wreath where they were the barest, then showed her work to the housekeeper and the maids.
"How in the world did you do it, Mamselle Lovisa!" one exclaimed. "Why, that wreath and crown are just as pretty as those you usually make, though 'twas mostly bare sprigs and black leaves you had."
Mamselle Lovisa then explained that she had freshened the leaves in water, it was only smoke and dust that had blackened them.
Shortly afterwards the bridal pair arrived. The bride was decked in Mamselle Lovisa's room. Though no longer young, the woman had a good and pleasing appearance. When she was all ready Mamselle Lovisa conducted her into the parlour, that she might view herself in the large mirror. And she was delighted.
"I never would have thought I could look that well!" she said. Then she took out a bottle of cologne and
