The Spectator. (Ozark, Ark.) 1911-1916, 1915-08-17
Her GARDEN
BY SARAH FURNHAM.

7
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.
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 blushed holly. Eth? What in
/ thunder do You mean?" he frowned.
Who said that about me?"
oh! Mrs. Jeremiah Wells told
grandmother SO. She said you were
a shilly-shally bachelor, and"
Hush all that. Teddy" interrupted
the young man. Let's stop gossiping
and talk about something else. The
garden looks beautiful, doesn't it,"
"Sure,' Teddys tone grew pc t.
at ought to with Mr., Smith sprin-
king it while Aunt Edltha pulls up the
weeds
jim pricked up his ears
Smith, Ell? Well, he's not here
now. You and l will go and investi.
gate Aunt Editha's garden. She prom
Used me some roses tonight"
She gave some to Mr.. Smith. too"
Jim choked down a 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. This gray-green stuff
IS love-in-a-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 Jim
irritably
Oh, Mr.. Jim, you're picking Aunt
Editha's flowers, and It isn't allowed
unless she says you may"
III take a scolding afterward," said
Jim grimly. Il want some of the
droopy stuff-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" he
said stoutly.
How do you know"
u heard what Aunt Editha said to
Mr.. Smita. She said, I'm sorry l
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 monograph. Ted" he said at
last. Seem to spend most of your
time recording conversations not
meant for your youthful ears
Il hear EN- just the same. shrieked
Ted.
jim turned at the sound of light
step.
Editha was coming down the path.
thing beautiful to see on this summer
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. love-in-a-mist and
bachelor button. The bride roses he
wanted We're just beyond his reach,
for Teddy still interviewed.
My bouquet is not complete" he
said significantly.
He shook his head.
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 Tor Mr.. Jim. He's my best
friend"
Thanks, old top" laughed jim,
swinging the boy to his shoulder.
Couldn't you name something for
him." insisted Ted.
You are so fond OF your pipe I'll
name the nicotiana after YOU" smiled
Editha, Come and have some tea"
He wants some bride roses" an
nounced Teddy.
For my bouquet" murmured jim.
offering 1t to her. Isn't it pretty
assortment OF sentimental tiowers?"
Editha blushed and looked down at
the blossoms.
He wants bride roses" repeated
Teddy, but l told him you wouldn't
give Mr.. Smith"
Teddy interrupted Editha in a
dreadful voice.
We'll. you did, and he said the best
man wins?'" shifted Teddy.
Editha was holding her head
haughtily.
DO you like my bouquet, Editha?"
asked Jim. Like it well enough to
keep? There's bleeding heart and
love-in-a-mist and-am / allowed to
have bride roses in my bouquet" His
voice was very pleading.
Her blue eyes sparkled through the
curling lashes. Slowly she plucked