The record-union., 1897-04-12

ion of himself as head of a garden
compared with which even Sir John s
would be insignificant, and commander
of staff of sturdy under gardeners
whom he should rule with rod of
iron.
During the next few weeks Squire
Thorpe spent an uncertain amount Of
time each day in the study of botany,
or to be precise, that branch of it rep
resented in the Manor gardens. 1t is
true, in spite of the astonishing prog
ress he made that the study was a
WEAKNESS to his soul, and that he fire.
quently felt inclined to throw both Jen
kyns and his flowers into the limbo of
things neglected. But the thought of a
pink blouse, and an occasional meeting
with it's owner, nerved him to the obi
Gus task and bordered all his hours of
pain with rosy hope.
He did not tell her of his efforts. His
sister, at his request, was issuing in
vitations for large garden party at
Old Bevis, and he had determined to
await that occasion before he attempt
ed to delight Miss Polwarth with his
newly acquired knowledge of her sub
ject" What was the use, he asked
himself savagely, to go and bore the
girl with his ignorance when her soul
was thirsting 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 a
footing in those realms where she held
so high a place.
Miss Polwarth was surprised at his
reserve She thought great deal 'noreo
Thorpe than she would have admitted
even to herself, and one of her pleas
ATTEST memories was that hour at Sir
John Finders when the Squire had, as
he now thought, tired her with the or
binary gossip of new acquaintance.
She had looked forward with a strange
feeling of anticipation to meeting him
again, only to find that he had become
silent and reserved, and to perceive
that he thought fit, for some reason
unknown, to be on his guard while
speaking to her Thus she wondered,
and all the advantages of higher edu-
cation could not save her the natural
modification which a sensitive and
sweet-natured girl must feel in such a
case
But the Squire's day came at last,
with all the best aspects 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
temporary staff, had done wonders,
and many who remembered the gar
dens in the old days made compliment
tary remarks with reference to the
changes apparent everywhere. Thorpe
listened with mingled citation and anx-
ety, thinking 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
slipped away to Miss Polwarth's side.
Il should like to take you over the
gardens" he said eagerly. Perhaps
you could help me a 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 I'm going to bore her
with gossip he thought proudly.
Wait little while, though"
On their way across the lawn he
paused to exhibit a shrub which was
one of his recent importations.
Il suppose you know this" he said
easily. 'Mespiius Smithia splendid
thing 1t is sometimes classed With the
thorns, and called Cratoegus Lobata. 1t
looks very pretty in tiower-rich green
leaves and pure white blossoms. 1t
isn't very we'll known yet"
The Squire had carefully rehearsed
every sentence during the morning and
felt, justly, that he had begun we'll.
Nor was he disheartened to observe
that Miss Polwarth did not seem to
brighten all at once. She simply made
some polite remark and followed to the
rose garden.
You like roses?' he asked sympa
thetically II have given them some at
tention this year. Have you seer this?
Augustine Guinoisseau, or the white La
France. Is it NOT charming with it's
freedom of growth and bloom, its deli
lovely trance of pink in the center of
the full white fiower?'
Miss Polwarth could not have guessed
that Thorpe's eloquence came direct
from the Field yet she did not show
any signs of being impressed.
1T is very pretty" she agreed, with
out the least enthusiasm. You seem
to take a delight in"
Il do" said Thorpe, unconsciously
interrupting 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 prom
Using recent additions to the hybrid
perpetuals. When in full flower it is
of very large size and depth, the pc
tails being broad and robust, and COM
posing a bloom of remarkably massive
character Mark the velvety luster on
the center petals. This is a new vari
ETY., but is very popular already"
Miss Polwarth was impressed at last;
but not in the way he had expected.
There was more of surprise than adj
miration in her look, and he could al
most imagined that he saw the faint
est shadow of disappointment. But,
still confident, he 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 per-
Torrance of his task to notice his COM
panions fading interest. He had really
almost 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