rty.

"I mean you are very friendly to me, Verty," said Redbud, with a
bright look at his frank face.

"Why, what have I done? I hav'nt done anything for you, for ages. Let
me see--can't I do something now? Oh yes, there are some flowers, and
I can make a nice wreath!"

And Verty ran and gathered an armful of primroses, marigolds, and
golden rods; some late roses, too, and so returned to Redbud.

"Now come to the arbor here--it's just like the Apple Orchard
one--come, and I'll make you a crown."

"Oh! I don't deserve it," laughed the young girl.

Verty smiled.

"Yes, you do," he said, "for you are my queen."

And he went and sat down upon the trellised bench, and began weaving a
wreath of the delicate yellow autumn primroses and other flowers.

Redbud sat down and watched him.

Placed thus, they presented a singular contrast, and, together, formed
a picture, not wanting in a wild interest--Verty, clothed in his
forest costume of fur and beads, his long, profusely-curling hair
hanging upon his shoulders, and his swarthy cheeks, round, and
reddened with health, presented rather the appearance of an Indian
than an Anglo-Saxon--a handsome wild animal rather than a pleasant
young man. Redbud's face and dress were in perfect contrast with all
this--she was fair, with that delicate rose-color, which resembles the
tender flush of sunset, in her cheeks; her hair was brushed back from
her forehead, and secured behind with a large bow of scarlet ribbon;
her dress was of rich silk, with hanging sleeves; a profusion of
yellow lace, and a dozen rosettes affixed to the dress, in front, set
off the costume admirably, and gave to the young girl that pretty
attractive _toute ensemble_ which corresponded with her real
character.

As she followed Verty's movements, the frank little face wore a very
pleasant smile, and at times she would pick up and hand to him a leaf
or a bud, which attention he rewarded with a smile in return.

At last the wreath was finished, and, rising up, Verty placed it on
Redbud's forehead.

"How nicely it fits," he said; "who would have imagined that my
awkward fingers could have done it?"

Redbud sat down with a slight color in her cheek.

"I am very much obliged to you, Verty," she said; "it was very good in
you to make this for me--though I don't deserve it."

"Indeed you do--you are my queen: and here is the right place for me."

So saying, Verty smiled, and lay down at the feet of Redbud,