The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1915-09-20
4 BASKET OF FLOWERS
by DOROTHY sLAckmosE-
.EOr1FlNhL. l9k by the McClure NoWapa
per syndlcnfe)

"Oh-h. g the benutiesi" cried III.
10 Hazel. scampering over TO the bed
n eayiy colorgd spring flowers che
aad spied suddenly.
Some nowers." breathed her little
brother. Ted. who was helping her to
on her basket with Wild flowers that
grew along the edge Of the woods.
The children had wandered farther
than they had known. and the bed OF
ovoly tulips that they were nov de-
moralizing was the only boundary
Tine At the rear Of the home Of Mr..
snd Mrs. Marden.
When the two trudged Into school.
lardy and tired. but rosy and laugh
ing. Miss Mott easped.
we brought you a May basket.
teacher" the two said in unison.
they had been ~rehearslng their speech
all the way from the Marden flower
beds.
ooh, what a beauty Thank you.
children. Now take your seata. You
are tardy and We must make up for
lost time" She hadn't the heart to
1ampen their Joy by asking where
hey had picked the lovely flowers.
She insuitlvely felt that the little ones
had secured them ~innocently, but
one the less destruetively and dis
honestly. from some % the gardens
bordering the woods on the south side.
When she reached home her friend
was sitting OF the porch waiting for
her to have a cup OF tea. And who
gave you the flowers. F1o7" she asked.
"It's May day: bless your heartl
And two Of the children brought me
the basket. II was lovely IN the early
morning. but"
Mrs. James laughed. you will be
surprised 10 know that l saw tho
shildren picking the flowers very
carly this morning from Mrs. Mar.
den's border gardens down by the
woods. but !, like you. hated TO spoil
the chiieren's joy."
Miss Mott looked serious for q mo-
ment. Don't you think ! ought to
90 and explain? II seems wrong.
somehow"
1T wouldn't do any harm. dear;
and III 20 with you as soon as we
have u tea. Run upstairs and
frcshen up while I have tea served,
and then Wen go and call on Mrs.
Marden and explain. I owe her a
call. anyway"
When Florence Mott re%appeared she
al as pretty and fresh as had been
her gift OF tulips In the early MORN
ing.
They walked down the path and
turned into the winding road that led
past the Marden home.
"In stand behind while you ex-
plain" said Florence laughingly. as
they shook the kHocker on the great
white door.
To the surprise Of both women. q
tall young man In house Jacket and
white flannel trousers opened the
door.
rs Mrs. Marden int" asked Mrs.
James,
"No-Tm sorry. am her brother.
left In charge for a whole week. My
name Is C~ongdon. win Congdon."
I'VE came on missions" went on
Mrs. James First. I wanted to call
on your sister. Mrs. Marden; and.
seeond-Miss Mott" indicating Flor.
ence, who had suddenly, she knew
not why, become confused. received
a May basket this morning. which we
think was filled with FOUR tulips"
VIII COngdoE laughed. They were
taken TO MI a May basket. we're theyf
Pardon me-, won't you both sit down O
few minutes. You've had quite Q
walk. perhaps"
The three sat down. Il have felt
guilty all day over having the basket,
but two OF my little kindergarteners
brought Il TO me with the information
that they had picked the flowers all
for me"
"And had seen some Riddles gath.
ering your tulips early this morning
when ] was In the bride path In the
woods added Mrs James.
1T doesn't matter in the least-now
that ] know who did II, but my sister
has had a good deal OF trouble with
fAnAho oHA INVITE anu 1 vas ABOUT u
raise q row." explained the younl
man.
"oh. I'm 500 sorry." repeated
Florence.
Congdon raised a protesting hand
Don't be. please. I'm glad you weri
the recipient OF a May basket, I'm 81
old that I had forgotten that sucl
pretty sentiment existed" he laughed
old" repeated Mrs. James. scorn
fully.
well, ! feel like a crusty oil
bachelor living out here IN this tur
tle-dove community OF young marie,
folks"
Florence pouted prettiIy. "Ant
where do ] score In this gamc?' sh'
asked.
Mrs, James was interested IN thu
situation az once and beamed at thii
opportunity for matchmaking. why
Flo, obviously It Is your duty 10 keel
Mr.. Congdon from qualifying for the
old mans home. isn't it2"
"Yes-isnt III" the man repeated
looking straight AZ Florence.
1T looks like H." she said.
And she began by letting him take