Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1897-05-22

lie was in retired corner OF the |
grounds, quite by himself. The
nook in which he eLsconced himself
was very picturesque and charming.
1t was an opening in the midst of
shrubs, some score of yards square,
laid out in an old-fashioned border,
rich with mixed profusion of old |
world flowers.
At the back grew tall holly hooks,
sunfowers, goldenrod and evening |
primrose and in the front, the low
lier. but not less lovely, darlings of |
bygone age. | am herbaceous
enthusiast myself floral antiquar-
ian, botanical tory-and | noted
with delight that all my favorites
were represented.
Yes, here they all we're, co.um.
bine, sweet William, Mary bud, can
terbury bell, fritillary, London pride,
Solomon's seal, white and yellow al
lison, or, SIS the cottages more pref
tily call it, gargate, and creeping
Jennie and bachelors buttons. Aye,
and those dear. delicious herbs, re-
calling the fragrant memories of my
sunny childhood, balm and mario.
ram, and lemon leaf, an old mans
Cor boy's) love, as village maidens
would rather know it.
And On his knees, wedding the
border, pausing ever and anon to
survey his labors with proud and
tender glance, ! saw the gardener of
this fairy plot. How lovingly his
eye fingered on the flowers. What
fond delight heamed in his APPROX
ing smile! 1t was not till we had
stood watching him for some time
that he became aware of our pres.
ence. Then he looked up.
"Well, DOCTOR" he exclaimed, "and
how do you think my garden shows
today2"
Beautiful, beautiful, my dear
sir |"
The poor fellows eyes sparkled
with pleasure at that.
81 am glad you think SO" he ssid.
"She is coming this afternoon, you
know"
"Ah F! so she is" replied my kind
hearted companion nodding.
"And she is sure to be pleased
with my howers-she must be pleas
ed-eh, doctor?' inquired the pa
tient eagerly and anxiously.
"Not doubt of it. 1t is fore
gone conclusion"
The unhappy man heaved deep
sigh of contentment and relief.
"Thank God for that, doctor!
have arranged them just as she likes
them-haven't II And there is
plenty of boys love-isn't there ?
She has always been so fond of boys
love. Ah, doctor, boys love is
rare plant to last"
"To be sure il is"
eyes; nothing can kill it when
once it has taken root. Heat won't
kill it. Frost won't kill it. Wet
won't kill it. Drought won't kill it.
Weeds won't kill it. Neglect won't
kill it. After hard winter, doctor,
when every other plant in the border
has been killed, I've known boys
love to be the only one left standing.
How lonely, how desolate it looked
next spring. But it seemed proud
of its endurance, too. A true per-
ennial !"
He sighed, murmured something
that l could not catch and applied
himself again to his wedding. The
doctor and I passed on to another
part of the grounds.
"Poor fellow !" said my compan
| ion, as he walked away. "The old
story-a disappointment in love-
81 guessed something of the sort.
What we're the particulars ~
Nothing out of the common.
Some girl to whom be was deeply
attached threw him over and mar
ried another man. He is peculiarly
sensitive and his reason gave way
under the shock"
"He seems happy enough now.'
Eyes. Very different from what
be was when he first came here. He
was then one of our worst and most
melancholy cases. 1t was only by
accident that l found out the means
to make him happy and contented."
"How was that 2"
Gone day the head gardener came
and complained to me about him.
1t appeared that be had taken
spade from one of the tool sheds and
started digging up the turf of small
lawn, in that very corner where we
have just lett him. l went to stop
him in his work of destruction. |
found two of the attendants already
dragging him away by force and the
patient struggling, protesting and
swearing in the most frenzied man.
ner.
81 babe them let him go, and ask.
ed him what he wished to do and
why he had been digging up the
turf. He explained his object to me
in torrent of eager words. He ask
ed my leave to execute it with pain
full anxiety and excitement.
"He said that her garden-the lit