Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-07-27
Evening Story
HER SENTIMENTAL GARDEN.
BY Sarah Furnam.
Copyright, 1915, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate.)

Aunt Editha Is not at home" said
Teddy Lane, as he raced across the
lawn to meet Jim Bartlett. THE
dressmaker telephoned her to come
down there, and she said to tell you to
wait for her."
Jim smiled. "I'd be certain not to
go until had seen her"
"Why?" asked Teddy.
Because"
"Huh-that's what always say
when don't want to tell what's in
my mind" said the little boy solemn
". Il think you've got something In
your mind about Aunt Editha."
Pm afraid have, Ted"
Teddy was silent for long while;
his brown eyes were fixed meditative-
ly on a dandelion in the grass. Lift
Ing his gaze he said, conclusively,
But you're not marrying man, are
you, Mr.. JIM"
Jim biushed hotly. "Eh? What in
thunder do you mean?" he frowned.
who said that about MOI"
"Oh! Mrs. Jermiah Wells told
grandmother SO. She. said you were
shilly -shallying bachelor, and
Hush all that, Teddy" interrupted
the young man. I'm sure Mrs. Wells
didn't mean for you to hear what she
said"
"She had no business to talk so loud
then. She woke me up from my nap"
fiared Teddy Indignantly.
Lets stop gossiping and talk about
something else. The garden looks
beautiful, doesn't it,"
"Sure!' Teddy's tone grew pert.
TT ought to with Mr.. Smith sprink-
ling 1t while Aunt Editha pulls up the
weeds"
Jim pricked up his ears.
Smith. Ell? Well, he's not here
now. You and will go and investi-
gate Aunt Editha's graden. She
promised me some roses tonight"
"She gave some to Mr.. Smith, too"
Jim choked down desire to ask
questions about his rival. He hastily
changed the subject by asking Teddy
the names of many OF the flowers.
"All those beautiful smelly ones are
roses-pink, white and yellow" said
the little boy. mr. Smith said bride
roses were his favorites and Aunt
Editha said she preferred tea roses.
Just like something to drink; 1t
sounded funny. He called 1t senti-
mental garden. What is that, Mr..
Jim?"
GIVE it up, Ted.' said, Jim some
what moodily, for the first bloom
had gone from his visit. What are
these pretty flowers, old man?'
Bleeding hearts-see, don't they
look like hearts? Bloody looking, too.
only it doesn't come off, said Ted
RESPECTFULLY. This gray-green stun
is love-in-mist and this crawling
plant is creeping Charlie. That's
funny name; it's Mr.. Smiths name
Charlie Smith"
1T seems to me that you have
Mr.. Smith on your BRAIN" snapped
His hand was on my brain-he
said had good-shaped hand, SAID
Teddy proudly.
"Your heads all right-only don't
overwork the brain department"
grinned JIM ANY more dieaway
plants in this garden?"
"There's bachelors buttons-those
blue flowers over there and lady
slippers and ma1golds-and oh, Mr.,
Jim, you're picking Aunt Editha's
flowers, and it isn't allowed unless
she says you may!"
.'I'll take scolding afterward,"
said Jim grimly. 4 want some OF
the droopy bleeding heart,
YOU call it? And love-in-a-mist?
Good boy, Ted! And bachelor but
tons-and, say, Ted, which are the
bride roses?"
But Teddy planted himself, In
front Of the bush Of white roses and
refused to bulge an inch.
"They are not for you, Mr.. Jim"
he said stoutly.
"How do you know
.I heard what Aunt Editha said
to Mr. Smith. She said, I'm sorry
| can't give you bride roses-no, you
might not understand don't
know what she meant, but l do
know what she said!"
Jim stared helplessly. You're
regular photograph, Ted he said
at last. Seem to spend most OF
your time recording conversations
not meant for your youthful ears
II hear 'em just the same" smirked
Jim turned at the sound Of a
light step.
Editha was coming down the path.
a thing beautiful to see on this sum-
mer afternoon.
"Good afternoon" she greeted him.
why, you have been picking flowers!
What an odd bouquet"
Jim looked down at the flowers he
had clumsily arranged.
Bleeding heart, dove-in-mist and
bachelor button. The bride roses he
wanted were just beyond his reach,
for Teddy still interviewed.
my bouquet is not complete" ne
said significantly.
He shook his head.
-Four oclocks?" asked Edith inno-
Gently.
in gthe tea things under the trees.
mot tea roses, Editha!'
Aunt Editha,' Ted interrupted,
you've got a plant in your garden
named after Mr.. Smith mean the
creeping Charlie. You ought to name
something for Mr.. Jim. He's my best
friend"
! Thanks old top" laughed Jim,