256 A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



the man of business for the study of the beautiful, and for 

 the most effective display of his fewer flowers, ought to 

 excel, but, as a rule, does not. His Roses are very rarely 

 made the most of in this respect, but are frequently marred 

 and spoiled, the colours clashing and contending with each 

 other, instead of combining against their common adversary. 

 It Is told of a highly sensitive dame, whose silly pride was 

 in dress, that she went into hysterics before a large party 

 when her great rival in millinery came and sat upon the 

 ottoman beside her, in a grand garment of the same colour 

 as her own, but of a much more brilliant and effective dye ; 

 and I have seen many a Rose which would weep, if it could, 

 aromatic rose-water, subdued by a like despair. Whereas 

 every flower should be so placed as to enhance Its neigh- 

 bour's charms — the fair blonde with her golden locks smil- 

 ing upon the brunette with her raven hair, each made by 

 the contrast lovelier. Once upon a time six pretty sisters 

 lived at home together always. In looks, in figure, in voice, 

 gait, and apparel, they exactly resembled each other. 

 Young gentlemen, seeing them apart, fell madly in love, as 

 young gentlemen ought to do ; but on going to the house, 

 and being introduced to the family, they were bewildered 

 by the exact similitude, didn't know which they had come 



