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Telimena, wearied with the prolonged wrangling, wanted to go out

into the fresh air, but sought a partner. She took a little

basket from the peg. "Gentlemen, I see that you wish to remain

within doors," she said, wrapping around her head a red cashmere

shawl, "but I am going for mushrooms: follow me who will!" Under

one arm she took the little daughter of the Chamberlain, with the

other she raised her skirt up to her ankles. Thaddeus silently

hastened after her-to seek mushrooms!

The plan of a walking party was very welcome to the Judge, who

saw in it a means of settling a noisy dispute; so he called out:-

"Gentlemen, to the woods for mushrooms! The one who brings the

finest to the table I will seat beside the prettiest girl; I will

pick her out myself. If a lady finds it, she shall choose for

herself the handsomest young man."

BOOK III.-FLIRTATION

ARGUMENT