Page:Encounters (Bowen).djvu/38

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DAFFODILS


"Do-oo give me one!"

"———And me?"

"I'm afraid that's the only print I've got; and that's mother's."

"Were there more?"

"Yes, various people took them. You see, I haven't faced a real camera for years, so when I got these snaps they were scrambled for by people who'd been asking me for photos"

"People?" She was rising visibly in their estimation.

"Oh yes. Friends."

"Why daffodils?" reverted Rosemary.

"Somebody had just given me a great big bunch." She was impressed by their interest. "I wonder if daffodils will ever make any of you look like that."

"It all depends, you see," said Millicent, astutely. "Nobody has ever given us any. If they did perhaps———"

"Really?" said Miss Murcheson, with innocent concern. "Take all those, if they would really inspire you! No, dears, I'd like you to."

She gathered the daffodils together and lifted them, dripping, from the vase.

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