The herald., 1896-12-20


tations for a large garden party at Old
Bevis, and he had determined to await
that occasion before he attempted to de-
light Miss Polwarth with his newly-ac.
quired knowledge Of her subject.
What was the use, he asked himself
savagely. to go and bore the girl with
his ignorance when her soul was thirst
Ing for wise converse with one OF kindred
tastes. Better far to wait until he could
prove that he had, for her sake, toiled
for and gained footing in those realms
where she held so high place.
Miss Polwarth was surprised at his re-
serve. She thought a good deal mora of
Thorpe than she would have admitted
even to herself, and one of her pleasant
est memories was that hour at Sir John
Finders when the squire had, as he now
thought, tired her with the ordinary gos-
sip of new acquaintances. She had look
edf onward with strange feeling Of an
ticipation to meeting him again, only 20
find that he had become silent and re-
served, and to perceive that he thought
fit. for some unknown reason, to be on
his guard while speaking to her. Thus
she wondered and all the advantages
Of higher education could not save her
the natural modification which sensi-
tive and sweet-natured girl must feel
in such case.
But the squire's day came at last
with all the best prospects of wind,
weather and circumstances. He saw the
Old Bevis grounds bright once more
with fair women and brave men, and
rejoiced to find that his studies had not
been In vain. Jenkyns, spurred on by
his masters interest, suggestions and
criticism, and supported by an able tenn
porary staff had done wonders, and
many who remembered the gardens in
the old days made complimentary re-
marks with reference to the changes ap-.
parent everywhere. Thorpe listened
with mingled elation and anxiety, think
ing only of Her.
The Hamptons came and their guest
with them, but the afternoon had al
most passed in introductions, welcomes
and other necessities before the squire
found his opportunity. Then leaving all
duty In his sisters able hands, he slip
ped away to Miss 2olwarth's side.
Il should like to take you over the
gardens" he said eagerly. Perhaps you
could help me little in one or two
things. You are such an authority, you
know"
The lecturer assented, though not with
the alacrity of one who is about to revel
in her pet subject. The squire noticed her
manner
"she thinks am going to bore her with
gossip, ne thought proudly. wait lit
tie while though"
On their way across the lawn he
paused to exhibit shrub which was one
of his recent importations.
suppose you know this" he said
easily. "Mespilus ssmithi-a splendid
the thorns and called Crataegus Lobata
1t looks very pretty in fiower-rich green
ieatves and pure white blossoms. 1t
isn't very we'll known YETI
The squire had carefully rehearsed
every sentence during the morning and
felt, justly, that he had begun well. Nor
was he disheartened to observe that Miss
Polwarth did not seem to brighten at
once. She simply made some polite re-
mark and followed to the rose garden.
You like roses" he said sympathetic
cally. Il have given them some attention
this year. Have you seen this? Angus
tine Guinoisseau or the white La France.
Is it not charming with it's freedom of
growth and bloom, its delicious fra
GRANGE and purity? See that lovely trace
of pink in the center Of the full white
flower"
Miss Polwarth could not have guessed
that Thorpes eloquence came direct
from the Field, yet she did not show any
signs of being impressed.
1t is very pretty" she agreed, without
the least enthusiasm. You seem to take
delight in"
II do" said Thorpe, unconsciously in
terrupting in his eagerness to tell her
all he knew before he forgot it. "See this
the Rose Gustave Piganeau. 1t is quite
new, and one Of the most promising re-
cent additions to the hybrid perpetuals
When in full flower it is of very large
size and depth, the petals being broad
and robust and composing a bloom of
remarkably massive character. Mark
the velvety lustre on the center petals
This is new variety. but it is very popu-
lar already"
Miss Polwarth was impressed at last.
but not in the way he had expected
There was more of surprise than admir-
alton IN her look, and he could almost
have imagined thathe saw the faintest
shadow of disappointment. But, still con-
noent ne put his fancy aside and passed
on.
1t must be admitted that the squire
did very well during the next half hour,
and he was too eager in the perform
ance of his task to notice his compan-
ions fading interest. He had really al
most lost sight Of the patient-faced
girl beside him. and only knew that he
was paying his court to the lecturer
on botany at St. Mary's hall and paying
it, too, in the way which should please
her best.
At length he reached the end of his
lesson, pausing before a fine orchid
1t stood in small greenhouse which had
been set apart for its accommoda ton,
and was splendid specimen of it's class
This is thing you would like said
the squire, with warmth which he did
not feel. "a harmony in gold and
bronze. observe the rich golden petals
ana the wavy yellow sepals so delicately
tinged with bronze, while the small
triangular lip, as you perceive is golden,
with a purple border and white throat
1T is very fine. What iS it called?"
asked Miss Polwarth.
What was it called. The squire knew
we'll enough, for had he not pored over
that orchid paragraph until not only
the long Latin name and the general
characteristics which he recited so glibly
but the very plant itself seemed to be
impressed upon his brain. Had he not
paid a heavy price and taken immense
trouble to obtain this specimen for this
special occasion? Yet at the lecturers
simple question he lost his mental equi-
librium. and the name of the orchid
vanished from his memory.
The words had, been so unexpected
His impression was that she could have
identified at glance any specimen in
the plant creation, having all the titles
and characteristics at her finger ends
He could not know that botany and flori-
culture were subjects which she would
have been glad to Danish for a time
from the realm of things spoken of, for
during the past month they had haunt
ed her to the limit of her patience. She
had been the victim of every noodle in
the vicinity who thought himself
lover of flowers, and of an innumer BILE
who honestly believed it their duty to
converse with her upon the subject with
which she was most familiar Life had