She was about to give up in despair , when some one suggested that perhaps the Frenchwoman , Estelle Valnor , might make the desired wreath , if there was time . Away drove Belle , and , on entering the room , gave a sigh of satisfaction , for a whole boxful of the loveliest forget-me-nots stood upon the table . As fast as possible , she told her tale and demanded the flowers , no matter what the price might be . Imagine her feelings when the Frenchwoman , with a shrug , announced that it was impossible to give mademoiselle a single spray . All were engaged to trim a bridesmaid 's dress , and must be sent away at once . It really was too bad ! and Belle lost her temper entirely , for no persuasion or bribes would win a spray from Estelle . The provoking part of it was that the wedding would not come off for several days , and there was time enough to make more flowers for that dress , since Belle only wanted a few for her hair . Neither would Estelle make her any , as her hands were full , and so small an order was not worth deranging one 's self for ; but observing Belle 's sorrowful face , she said , affably : `` Mademoiselle may , perhaps , find the flowers she desires at Miss Berton 's . She has been helping me with these garlands , and may have some left . Here is her address . '' Belle took the card with thanks , and hurried away with a last hope faintly stirring in her girlish heart , for Belle had an unusually ardent wish to look her best at this party , since Somebody was to be there , and Somebody considered forget-me-nots the sweetest flowers in the world . Mamma knew this , and the kiss Belle gave her when the dress came had a more tender meaning than gratified vanity or daughterly love . Up many stairs she climbed , and came at last to a little room , very poor but very neat , where , at the one window , sat a young girl , with crutches by her side and her lap full of flower-leaves and petals . She rose slowly as Belle came in , and then stood looking at her , with such a wistful expression in her shy , bright eyes , that Belle 's anxious face cleared involuntarily , and her voice lost its impatient tone . As she spoke , she glanced about the room , hoping to see some blue blossoms awaiting her . But none appeared ; and she was about to despond again , when the girl said , gently : `` I have none by me now , but I may be able to find you some . '' `` Thank you very much ; but I have been everywhere in vain . Still , if you do get any , please send them to me as soon as possible . Here is my card . ''
Miss Berton glanced at it , then cast a quick look at the sweet , anxious face before her , and smiled so brightly that XXXXX smiled also , and asked , wonderingly : `` What is it ?
Belle Berton Estelle Frenchwoman Valnor boxful bridesmaid flower-leaves forget-me-nots garlands