The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1919-05-15
ride Roses
By JACK LAYTON
Copyright. 1918. western Newspaper union.)
By JACK LAYTON

Mary Louise was going to marry
the gardener; and being unacquainted
with the family of Nary Louise, it
would be impossible for you to con-
'ceive the CONSERVATION this news occa-
stoned. In their eyes the queen had
abdicated her throne, the proud old
southern name for the first time was
being unequally yoked with that of a
cOmmOner.
And with oil her new and startling
views Mary Louise seemed to retain
but one Characteristic of the old Lind
ley's-their immovable stubbornness.
#: will marry my Harry" she said,
though every one of you turn against
me-"
Harry has been engaged as gardener
by the father of Mary Louise, while
that gentleman played golf near the
club house: The young man, whistling
cheerily, had been busying himself
with trowel among the rare plants
bordering the club house veranda
when Lindley senior approached.
Being in urgent need of a gardener,
he besought the busy one for informa-
ton and perhaps assistance.
did he know where a capable and
experienced man could be found?"
The club house gardener, after a
few abrupt questions, most surpris-
fngly offered his own services.
Mr.. Lindley, realizing the ravage
neglect was making among his costly
uncared for plants, was only too glad
to agree, "but," he added uneasily,
what will they say to me here for
taking away their help?'
Henry had laughed away his COM
junction, II was going to leave in a
few days anyway" he said, "more
work here than I bargained for"
The garden had been a fancied fairy
land to Mary Louise, and in later
years she found many of her dreams
still lingering there. ~
Very unprlncely he had looked when
Mary Louise, pausing before wonder
full folded rose, noticed him for the
first time kneeling in the dirt almost
at her feet.
"You are a new gardener, are you
not?" asked Mary Louise. "What is
your name?" ..,.
He had glanced up at the sound of
her voice, as though realizing for the
first time her presence, then the gar
dener smiled.
Henry" he answered her, and ris-
ing with bow, presented the wonder
So that was the coming of the
prince! Mary Louise did not know at
the time, she only knew that the gaze
of his dark eyes, had a strangely
sweet power to stir her heart But
later, Mary Louise learned the truth,
as she came again and again to the
garden, lingering unnecessarily, while
Henry talked in his musical voice.
At first, the blood of the Lindleys
within her rebelled at the interest
her fathers servant had awakened.
Then loves magic joyfully brushed
aside the barrier.
1t was soft scented moonlit night
when Henry confessed his love for
Mary Louise. She stood by the white
sun dial, and the old light of dreams
shOne in her eyes.
"You will marry me, sweets" asked
the voice of her prince, and unhesi-
tatingly she had given her promise.
In the impressive old library, with
these frowning faces about her, that
promise seemed to be more serious
thing; but firmly Mary Louise re-
peated: -~ s.....t =
II will marry Harry, though you all
turn against me-"
Then all at once her father buried
his old face in his arms.
ooh, Mary Louise" he moaned, zig
it not enough that must lose this
beloved old place of our family, with
out also losing you? Long have I en-
deavored to keep up family customs.
That is now no longer possible. Our
money is gone-poor speculation or
unwise xpenditure-how, do not
know-but our money is gone.
IF you would but follow the wo.
men of your kind in suitable marriage,
and surely you have about you eager
cavaliers-the pride of the old name
might still be saved. if not the finan-
cial standing"
'The pride Of the name!" cried Mary
Louise, why! father among all the
men you know there is not one as
clever-or noble or fine, as my Har-
ry."
Her lover. appearing just then in
the doorway, gaZed back adOringly
over the heads of the family council.
ut will make no difference with
Mary Louise" said Harry proudly,
"but it may alter conditions with
yourself. Mr.. Lindley, to learn that
have been employing your fertile gar
den as a means Of furthering certain
floral experiments which l have for
some time been carrying toward sue
cessful completion.
ut was club house friend who first
suggested my trial there. New dis