The Republican journal., 1915-09-02
Her GARDEN
BY SARAH FURNHAM,

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 saw
when l don't want to tell what's in
my mind said the little boy solemnly.
Il think you've got something in your
mind about Aunt Editha."
I'm afraid l have, Ted"
Teddy was silent for a long while:
! his brown eyes were fixed medtatiye.
ly on a dandelion in the grass. Lin.
ing his gaze he said, conclusiyely
But you're not a marrying man, ara
you, Mr.. Jim?"
Jim blushed holly "Eh? What in
thunder do you mean?" he frowaed
Who said that about me-"
oh. Mrs. Jeremiah Wells told
grandmother SO. She said you We're
a shilly-shally 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
fared Teddy Indignantly.
Let's stop gossiping and talk abou.
something else. The garden looks
beautiful, doesn't it?"
Sure" Teddy's tone grew pert
| 1T ought to with Mr.. Smith spriu-
king it while Aunt Editha pulls up Inc
4 weeds
Jim pricked up his ears.
Smith, Ell? Well, he's not here
now. You and l will go and invest
gate Aunt Edithas garden. She prom.
ised me some roses tonight"
She gave some to Mr.. Smith, ton"
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 ara
roses-pink, white and yellow" SAID
the little boy. This gray-green stuff
is love-in-a-mist and this crawling
plant is creeping Charlie. That's a
funny name; it's Mr.. Smiths name
! Charlie Smith.
4 1T seems to me that you have Mr.
/
irritably.
Oh. Mr. Jim, you're picking Aunt
Editha's flowers, and it isn't allowed
j unless she says you may"
I'll take scolding afterward," said
/ Jim grimly. Il want some of rae
droopy stuf-bleeding heart, you call
| it? And love-in-a-mist? 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" lie
said stoutly.
How do you know"
Il heard what Aunt Editha said 10
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 do know what
she said"
Jim stared helplessly. you're a
regular photograph. Ted" he said d.
last. Seem to spend most of your
time recording conversations NOT
meant for your youthful ears"
Il hear EN- just the same, shriesed
Ted
Jim turned at the sound of a light
step.
Editha was coming down the path
thing beautiful to see on this SIMMER
! afternoon.
Good afternoon" she greeted him.
why, you have been picking tlovsr5
What an odd bouquet"
Jim looked down at the flowers Na
had clumsily arranged.
Bleeding heart, love-in-a-mist aut
bachelor button. The bride rose, '
wanted were just beyond his r.a...
for Teddy still interviewed.
My bouquet is not complete, I'd
said significantly
He shook his head.
Aunt Editha," Ted interrupt
you've got a plant in your gur
named after Mr.. Smith mean s
creeping Charlie. You ought to name
something for Mr. Jim. He's my I.st
friend"
Thanks. old top" laughed jim,
swinging the boy to his shoulder
Couldn't you name something !1t
him." insisted Ted.
You are so fond of your pipe
name the nicotiana after you" suri
Editha. Come and have some JGl
He wants some bride roses all
nounced Teddy.
For my bouquet" murmured Im
offering it to her. Isn't it a prft
assortment of sentimental flower
Editha bushed and looked down t
the blossoms.
He wants bride roses" repot
| Teddy. but | told him you wouldn't
give Mr.. Smith"
Teddy" interrupted Editha IT.
dreadful voice
We'll, you did, and he said the best
man wins?'" shifted Teddy
Editha was holding her h'.d