The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1904-07-13
LOVE IN
"A GARDEN
copyright, 1904, by R. b. snelton.l


oclocks bloomed in prof;.s:on; a bs., of
sweet william spiced the air, ard Wits
OF striped grass .rustled pleasantly in
the breeze.
In the midst of the garden was
huge colonial house of red brick The
house, the garden and the high brick
wall gave one the impression of bit
OF another century, quietly but stolidly
holding its own against the inroads of
a latter day commercialism. Just be-
yond the gate the trolley cars changed, |
and over the high wall We're vistas Of |
smoking chimneys towering heaven
ward. The hum of loom and spindle
seemed strangely antagonistic when
one stood near the sweet william bed
and listened to the clatter
Some such thought had taken posses
sion of Mr.. James Thornton as he
stepped through the high, white gate
that led from the street and strolled
down box lined path. At the very
moment Thornton unattached the gate
Miss Janet Calvert came from beneath
a wistaria trellis near the house and
entered the other end of the same box
lined path. They met near the bed of
mignonette. Miss Calvert bowed with
something of condescending gracious
ness; Thornton removed his hat, and
his rather stern features lighted with
smile of genuine pleasure.
AT this juncture the little god entered
the garden. (How he managed his en-
trance is quite immaterialD He perch
ed himself on ruined sundial and
looked over the pair thoughtfully.
Young Miss Janet was good to be-
hold. Generations Of high bred Cal
yerts had given her the proud poise of
her head, the beautiful modelling of her
features, the bewitching arch of her in
step and the delicate lines of her little
hands.
Thornton was young, sturdy and
broad shouldered. The clear cut lines
Of his clean shaver face pronounced
him an aggressive man of action.
II am glad the house went to you
at the auction, Mr.. Thornton" said
Miss Calvert, With little catch of
the breath.
"When l used to shake down horse
chestnuts in this very garden for a
little pink and white tyrant, l was
Jimmy" he said chidingly
Jimmy, if you wish it still, then"
she said, with the faintest flush.
81 do,' he asserted eagerly. The
little god snickered and priclled up his
ears.
you'll build big, unsightly block
here, l suppose" she said.
"No," he said quietly
She raised her brows inquiringly.
''The land is very valuable" she sug-
gested.
TOO valuable for business purposes, /"
he explained.
"Is anything more valuable than
business:" she asked, with the barest
touch of irony in her voice.
EYES," said he; sentiment"
"Isn't sentiment rather an expensive
luxury?" she asked
mot in dollars and cents" he re-
piled. "In other ways quite So"
II didn't know you We're senti
mentalist," she said.
I'm not" he returned shortly.
The little god scratched his head in
puzzled fashion.
"You came here today for a last look
at the place, presume" he went on
She nodded.
care you angry with me for buying
it," he asked.
ooh, no! 1t had to be somebody
but-well, Of course, I'm very fond o,
it."
"You thought I'd shut you out of i
perhaps?" he continued.
81 thought you might change it," sh'
said.
"Well, l shan't," he said emphatic
ally.
The little god was uncertain whethe
he should smile or frown.
Everything shall be kept just as
is" Thornton said.
The girl was silent.
Il want the house just as it was,
he said. Yes, even to the occupants
want you to live here again
She shook her head. cts your hous
now, you know"
"With me-" he pleaded in low
shaken voice.
ooh, no, no, no." she sald IN Amos
a sob. "Don't" as he came a ste
nearer. "You are good and kind and
He drew himself up.
"Forgive me for being fool" b
said coldly. Il was idiotic enough I
think that because you have met Wit
misfortune and with little paltr
success the gulf between us was les
ened. You are still the little pink an
white tyrant, and am still the ragge
little urchin l worshiped you from
respectful distance then. Perhaps 1t
better to do so now"
He turned on his heel and Wake
down the path. The little god on IL
sundial covered his eyes.
Miss Calverts condescending gr
ciousness had fallen from her. III
proud poise of her head had gone TO
She watched him go with eyes whlt
suddenly filled with tears. She took
uncertain step in Thornton's direction
"Mr. Thornton" she called weakly.