Bridgeton pioneer., 1913-10-09
THOSE SWEET PEAS
BY ARTI'JR w. PEACH.

Iuckeo IN = narrow space be-
tween two laiSS nildings, golden with
lts many elevtn lights, stood THE
fiower Shop" the abode of the spirit
OF the woods and the field in a will
derness builded by men the one beau
ti1ul spot along the busy city street
dusky with early evening. Its small
window was banked with flowers of a
hundred hues at which many stopped
10 look and passed on with sighs Of
longing or content, while others were
lured within, to spenG for few hours
Meeting beauty, sum perhaps dearly
earned.
/ Before the window Stanley Lambert
paused. He was sober of mind and
sober of heart That night was to be
the most eventful of his life, for the
reason that Alison Lane, long loved
by him and Merton Roberts, had prom
ised to tell them which one she loved
the more.
He had planned to send flowers but
he was sorely puzzled as to what to
send. She was lover of flowers. To
her they had language and a mean
Ing and he wanted his gift to bear to
her some hint of his love for her. Rob-
erts, one of the wealthiest young men
In the city, would find the proposition
easy of solution; he would simply or
der the best and costliest flowers sent
to her-roses, probably, at that sea-
son, full, close-petaled, gorgeous roses,
classic emblems of beauty and love.
Lambert knew it was possible for him
to order likewise, but his income,
though satisfactory, was limited, and
the sending of such costly flowers
would seem in bad taste to her. His
great desire, moreover, was to have
his gift some intimate expression Of
,himself-something that would go to
her with his whole-1earted belief in
them; the rose had seemed to him
always too naughty, too cold, to carry
the warm message of the heart.
! He stood before the window long
enough for inspiration to come, but
that elusive spirit did not so much as
breathe upon him; and, not knowing
just what to do, but determined to do
something, he went into the shop.
Kainer, the portly German proprie-
tor. came forward, his kindly eyes
lighting with recognition.
What may it be, Lambert. flowers
for someone?" he queried, swift
twinkle in his eyes. Many times since
he had begun to keep his shop he had
been sending flowers to many some
one" for many somebody"
Lambert nodded, and as he looked
into the genial face of the old German,
1t occurred to him that he might tell
the story and ask the florists help in
selecting the bearers of the message.
After the thought came the decision.
Kainer listened, no longer smiling.
The situation called for expert advice
on his part and earnest consideration.
His own reputation and the reputation
of his flowers were at stake-so it ap-
peared to him.
When Lambert finished his state
ment Of the proposition, Kainer said.
"Ah, understand. You want to send
her the flowers to talk to her, is it
not? Just a whisper"-his eyes shone
scftly-"what can 1t not do? Flowers
can speak better than the lips. Yes!
they talk the language of the heart.
Roses? No! they are too proud!
They touch the mind, the sight, yes?
What shall 1t be?" His placid brow
wrinkled in thought. "Ah, have it.
Gomez"
: He led Lambert to small room In
the back of the shop, and delving
eagerly into glass compartment
where the cool dew hung like thou
sands Of shining diamonds, he brought
up his suggestion-a bunch of sweet
peas.
Lambert stared at them with open
admiration. "By Jove, Kainer, that's
that's just the thing. Aren't they
beautiful! Talk about harmony Of
colors-say!"
Kainer, his eyes taking on a Pc
culiar starriness that characterized
them when his flowers were praised
touched one or two as mother touch
% the rose in her baby's cheek.
Yes, friend" he said contentedly,
"sent them in today. Never has he
sent before such a beautiful bunch.
This bunch took it out to keep for
myself; but to you l give it. May it
! speak to her! l. myself, will pack 1t.
and will take It to her. And boy
let me know-how 1t comes out!"
Under the spell of the Germans
whole-hearted interest and enthusi-
asm, and his evident belief that his
sweet peas would win any maiden's
heart, Lambert left the store with a
light heart, and it remained with him
at his restaurant By the time he had
reached his rooms and was dressing
the little imps Of doubt had taken pos
session Of him. He recalled that she
had given him no hint of any pref.
erence for him.
Roberts was a pleasant, agreeable
chap. sunny of nature and temper, fin