As Katy started to carry them back to the room, Linda said "Wait a second," and selecting one half opened, she slipped it out, shortened the stem and tucked it among the coils of hair where she would have set an ornament.
The other package was a big box that when opened showed its interior to be divided into compartments in each of which nestled an exquisite flower made of spun sugar.

The petals, buds, and leaves were perfect.

There were wonderful roses with pale pink outer petals and deeper-colored hearts.

There were pink mallows that seemed as if they must have been cut from the bushes bordering Santa Monica road.

There were hollyhocks of white and gold, and simply perfect tulips.