With loaded baskets closely covered, he started to Onabasha, and began where he had quit the day before.

This time he carried a small, crudely fashioned bark basket, leaf-covered, and he rang at the front door with confidence.
Every one seemed to have a maid in that part of the city, for a freshly capped and aproned girl opened the door.
"Are there any young women living here ?" blandly inquired the Harvester.
"What's that of your business ?" demanded the maid.
The Harvester flushed, but continued, "I am offering something especially intended for young women.

If there are none, I will not trouble you." "There are several." "Will you please ask them if they would care for bouquets of violets, fresh from the woods ?" "How much are they, and how large are the bunches ?" "Prices differ, and they are the right size to appear well.

They had better see for themselves." The maid reached for the basket, but the Harvester drew back.
"I keep them in my possession," he said.

"You may take a sample." He lifted the leaves and drew forth a medium-sized bunch of long-stemmed blue violets with their leaves.