Then the Poppy spoke out. She did not appear to be in the least bit shy,
and waved the scarlet folds of her mantle about her head, and all the
black fringe of seed trembled and stood out like a halo.

"And I am consolation," she said. "The hope that springs up again
after doubt."

"If all were faithful and true," whispered the Violet, "there would be
less need of you, proud Poppy."

"Or," suggested the Willow, "if people would but listen to my warning
and not bind their hearts with chains. I am the emblem of freedom."

But the Rose and the Chrysanthemum came forward at these words and
curtsied to Rusialka.

[Illustration: CORNFLOWER]

[Illustration: COWSLIP]

"They do not speak wisely and truly, O dear White Ladies," they said.
"We both mean 'love,' and we know that smiles and joy attend us. Ask our
sisters who best know."

"I am early friendship," said the Periwinkle, pensively, as she came and
stood before Rusialka. "Even the very old on earth find comfort in me."

Then Clematis appeared. She lifted her banner like a wreath round her
head. "I mean poverty," she said: "but even poverty is sweet with
love, for love can make all things beautiful."

But two flowers came forward sadly, and sighed as they curtsied to
Rusialka. They were Carnation and Anemone.

"Alas! for my poor heart," said the first. "To me love brings but
sadness."

"And when the dewdrops fall," said the second, "I think they are the
tears of all who are like me, forsaken."

[Illustration: BLACKBERRY]

[Illustration: SPINDLE BERRY]

The Windflower stepped forward boldly, and a breath of breeze ran
through her hair and raised her banner.

"I know that tears dry and give place to smiles," she said.

"Oh, do not weep then, sweet little sisters," said the Cornflower,
gently. "See, Cowslip and I will take you by the hand and lead you to a
bright, clear patch by the tree of the Lady Elder, where we will play
together till morning."

As they disappeared they heard the voice of Rusialka:

"O, hasten, Blackberry," she said. "Hasten, Spindle, and Holly and
Misletoe, for before the coldest hour that precedes the dawn has passed
over the earth your little sisters must all be back in their little warm
beds."

[Illustration: HOLLY]

Then forward came the four linked hand in hand and curtsied. Then the
Holly kissed the Mistletoe, and the Blackberry and the Spindleberry
raised their banners on high, while all the flowers marched through hand