24 A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



parental bed appeared to be scantily and insuffi- 

 ciently clothed, and she inquired if there were no 

 more blankets in the house. *' Yes, ma'am, we've 



another," replied the housewife; *' but " and 



here she paused. 



** But what ?" said the lady. 



** It is not at home, ma'am." 



*' Surely, surely it's not in pawn ?" 



^' Oh dear no, ma'am ; Tom has only just took 

 it — just took it " 



'' Well, Bessie, took it where ?" 



" Please, ma'am, he took it — took it — took it 

 to keep the frost out of the greenhouse ; and 

 please, ma'am, we don't Avant it, and we're quite 

 hot in bed." 



They ought to be presented with a golden 

 warming-pan, set with brilliants, and filled with 

 fifty-pound Bank of England notes. 



I took my leave of the brotherhood at last, 

 delighted with their gardens and delighted with 

 them, but not much delighted with myself I 

 seemed to have been presiding as Lord Chief- 

 Justice in a court, wherein, had merit regulated 

 the appointments, I should most probably have dis- 

 charged the duties of usher. I had been enthroned 

 as Grand Master of a Rosicrucian Lodge, v/hen I 

 ought to have been standing at the door as tiler ; 



