68 THE GARDEN, YOU, AND I 



that were in it, but I'm sure many, like Gloire de 

 Dijon, would be winter killed here. Will you revise 

 the list forme? 



" Bart has arranged to shut off the back hall and 

 stairs, so that when we wish, we can get to our indoor 

 bedroom and bath at any hour without going through 

 the house or disturbing its routine. 



" Anastasia has been heard to express doubts as to 

 our entire sanity confidentially to Barney, on his re- 

 turn from the removal of two cots from the attic to 

 the part of the barn enclosed by some old piazza. 

 screens, thereby publicly declaring our intention of 

 sleeping out in all seasonable weather. 



" May 20. The Blakes, next door below, are going 

 to Europe, and have offered us their comfortable family 

 horse, the buggy, and a light- work wagon, if we will 

 feed, shoe, pet, and otherwise care for him (his name, 

 it seems, is Romeo). Could anything be more in 

 keeping with both our desires and needs? 



" To-day, half as a joke, I've sent out P. P. C. cards 

 to all our formal friends in the county. Bart frowns, 

 saying that they may be taken seriously and produce 

 like results ! 



" May 22. Maria has arrived, taken possession of the 

 market-book, housekeeping box, and had a satisfac- 

 tory conference with Anastasia. 



