The Washington herald., 1907-03-07
A GARDEN ROMANCE
BIZ BERNARD BRAINERD

BIZ BERNARl
Filling the soil was one Of Earl Bent
y's hobbies.
\ gentleman tiller this young man might
have been called. though the style in
which ne was dressed on this particular
morning while working in his garden
was no fancifuI affair.
A faded coat. corduroy trousers. earth
stained canvas leggings. and an old.
broad-brimmed hat composed his attire.
Between his teeth he held "a short brier-
wood pipe.
Bently bent down and was soon busiIy
engaged in placing a great cluster of
sweet aIyssum in its moist earthly bed.
and finishing by encircling it with "a gor-
ge0Us Mabel Morrison.
So engrOssed was he i'm his work that
he did not hear the sound on the drive
in front Of the house, nor a light football
on the gravel walk.
When he glanced up at last ne was
startled to see Il young woman but IL few
feet away. She wore "a pretty white
summer costume trimmed with ribbons,
and a huge picture hat. In her hand she
carried a white silk parasol Bently,
however. saw only the calm. beautiful
face.
she looks like a queen" was his
thought as he arose and lifted his hat
The young lady could not have failed
TO see him, but to Bently's surprise. she
did not notice his salutation. Bently
guzed after her in establishment. She
moved gracefully along his garden walk,
occasionally pausng 10 look at some
choice specimen.
Bently very nearly fancied that this
proud intruder was d phantaSy of his
brain, and he stood staring after her I'M
Ill she disappeared. Then he decided TO
follow her. When she again appeared
before him she was bending over "a rose
bush.
What are these?" she asked, indIcat-
ing the pretty buds with her taperiug
finger.
Bently described the variety of the rose.
1t is "a very rare specimen" ne added
Break me off several. please"
Benuy deity severed half dozen
punches and handed them TO her She
thanked him and moved away. Bently
took out his handkerchief and mopped his
brow
We'll if this isn't puzzle, Shall
follow her again and speak 90 herg She
seems to be perfectly al home and Co
regard me, egad as the earth under her
feet. / must find some way to ask this
magnificent young person what her bust
ness is here"
His peTDleXity WAS dispellcd for a time
by the lady looking over her shoulder
and calling softly, VIII you come here
a moment
BcUtly was soon al her side
What is the name of that beautiful
20
very pride of his garden-a splendid spec
linen which Bently had watched unfold
in the dollhouse. and only short time
before he had overseen it transplanted in
the garden. Two beautiful blooms were
on The stalk. He told her its name
clip me of d rose, please"
She noticed Bentys hesitation and
strange expression. and said. 4 suppose
YOU know I am Miss Blaneyc
The name still left Bently decidedly i'm
the dark. but he clipped a rose and pre-
scented IL 10 her with a bow.
Miss Blaney. everything I'm this gar
den is yours. he said, CALAMITY.
II am glad you are aware Of g., she
replied, as she pinned on the rose. Il
thought you doubted my right"
Not in the least" he said. Your
visit is too much of an honor. With
your permission 7 will show YOU through
the garden; perhaps there is something
else YOU would fancy
His intended irony vas lost on his fair
visitor. She allowed him to walk by her
side like pet spaniel or a cat. not troub-
ling herself 10 speak further Bently
pointed out, and asked her TO accent.
some of his most beautiful specimens, but
every time she refused.
NO, thanks, I shall ask no more
favor. I see YOU are jealous Of your
pets" she said Little wonder YOU
keep this place beautiful"
In a short time they had finished the
inspection OF the garden. and looking
up. she said. Would YOU like to remain
here or have YOU other arrangements"
Bently looked at her in surprise "WeU
-I-certainIy would like to remain;
that is. if YOU have no objection" lie
seid with hooking smile.
Miss Blancy replied rather musingiy:
NO. I do not think I could do better"
She allowed her eyes to rove over the
garden. 1T is a beautiful place, I am
delighted with it,"
Bently bowed low.
81 would like this question settled 1T
once. she said. Are you willing to en-
gaEc?"
The humor Of it all began to appear TO
BeHJly.
But, Miss Blaney." he said, 1T is my
duty 10 warn you that I am a very high
priced parsonage.
Il do not think you can take the ad-
vantage Of me because J am a woman"
she replied. quickly. for you will find
that am a gOod business woman. 7
can assure You, Your salary will be
according 10 your service. and no more
Then she added less emphaticalIy. But
try 10 please me and you viii find we
will have no occasion 10 quarrel over
your compensation"
Miss Blaney and Bently were now
walking toward the house Looking at
her watch she said. 81 shall not have
time to go into the house to-day Thank
you for showing me through the garden.
Then quite pleasantly. What is your
nance"
MY name is Bently." ne replied
"Good-day. Bently," she said Il think
We shall agree.
Carelessly nOdding to him, she moved