Many of the vases and pottery jars which had contained flowers now stood empty, and just before the station of Louise Merrick the stock was sadly depleted.

This was, of course, offset by the store of money in the little drawer beside the fair sales-lady, and Louise, having greeted Diana with a smile and nod, turned to renew her conversation with the young men besieging her.
Diana leaned gracefully over the counter, resting the hand containing the handkerchief over the mouth of an empty Doulton vase--empty save for the water which had nourished the flowers.

At the same time she caught Louise's eye and with a gesture brought the girl to her side.

"Those young men are wealthy," she said, carelessly, her head close to that of Louise.

"Make them pay well for their purchases, my dear." "I can't rob them, Diana," was the laughing rejoinder.
"But it is your duty to rob, at a Kermess, and in the interests of charity," persisted Diana, maintaining her voice at a whisper.
Louise was annoyed.
"Thank you," she said, and went back to the group awaiting her.
The floral booth was triangular, Beth officiated at one of the three sides, Patsy at another, and Louise at the third.