About this time a firm of merchants having dealings with the East put on the market little paper flowers which opened on touching water.

As it was the custom also to use finger-bowls at the end of dinner, the new discovery was found of excellent service.

In these sheltered lakes the little coloured flowers swam and slid; surmounted smooth slippery waves, and sometimes foundered and lay like pebbles on the glass floor.

Their fortunes were watched by eyes intent and lovely.

It is surely a great discovery that leads to the union of hearts and foundation of homes.