`` I 've saved my posies , anyway , '' sighed Lizzie , as she picked herself up , bruised , wet , and faint with pain ; `` but , oh , my heart ! wo n't Madame scold when she sees that band-box smashed flat , '' groaned the poor child , sitting on the curbstone to get her breath and view the disaster . The rain poured , the wind blew , the sparrows on the park railing chirped derisively , and no one came along to help Lizzie out of her troubles . Slowly she gathered up her burdens ; painfully she limped away in the big boots ; and the last the naughty sparrows saw of her was a shabby little figure going round the corner , with a pale , tearful face held lovingly over the bright bouquet that was her one treasure and her only comfort in the moment which brought to her the great misfortune of her life . II . FORGET-ME-NOTS `` Oh , mamma , I am so relieved that the box has come at last ! If it had not , I do believe I should have died of disappointment , '' cried pretty Belle , five years later , on the morning before her eighteenth birthday . `` It would have been a serious disappointment , darling ; for I had sot my heart on your wearing my gift to-morrow night , and when the steamers kept coming in without my trunk from Paris , I was very anxious . I hope you will like it . '' `` Dear mamma , I know I shall like it ; your taste is so good and you know what suits me so well . Make haste , Marie ; I 'm dying to see it , '' said Belle , dancing about the great trunk , as the maid carefully unfolded tissue papers and muslin wrappers . A young girl 's first ball-dress is a grand affair , -- in her eyes , at least ; and Belle soon stopped dancing , to stand with clasped hands , eager eyes and parted lips before the snowy pile of illusion that was at last daintily lifted out upon the bed . Then , as Marie displayed its loveliness , little cries of delight were heard , and when the whole delicate dress was arranged to the best effect she threw herself upon her mother 's neck and actually cried with pleasure . `` Mamma , it is too lovely I and you are very kind to do so much for me . How shall I ever thank you ? '' `` By putting it right on to see if it fits ; and when you wear it look your happiest , that I may be proud of my pretty daughter . '' Mamma got no further , for Marie uttered a French shriek , wrung her hands , and then began to burrow wildly in the trunk and among the papers , crying distractedly : `` Great Heavens , madame ! the wreath has been forgotten ! What an affliction ! Mademoiselle 's enchanting toilette is destroyed without the wreath , and nowhere do I find it . ''
In vain they searched ; in vain Marie wailed and XXXXX declared it must be somewhere ; no wreath appeared .
Belle FORGET-ME-NOTS French II Madame Marie ball-dress curbstone disaster sparrows