4 MARY'S GARDEN AND HOW IT GREW 



a gardener in the family if we 're not careful, 

 Helen ; but I see a glimmer of hope for your rubber- 

 plant" 



"We certainly need a gardener," responded she. 

 "But you need n't laugh at my rubber-plant. You 

 know perfectly well, Roger Maxwell, that you 

 could n't make even a rubber-plant grow if you sat 

 and fanned it all day. I only hope she does n't 

 bother dear old Peter," Mrs. Maxwell added, as the 

 child disappeared behind the greenhouse door. 



But Herr Peter Trommel, gardener, horticultu- 

 rist, retired florist, and above all Siritzer, was not 

 in the least bothered. He was standing at the far 

 end of the long greenhouse, a pile of soil on the 

 bench in front of him, busily potting plants an old 

 man, very short, very broad, with a thick bush of 

 beard. 



"Mr. Trommel, Mr. Trommel ! " called a joyous 

 little voice as the door opened. The old man turned 

 around. 



"Ha ! That is mine young assistant ! " he ex- 

 claimed, beaming through his spectacles at the small 

 visitor. 



"I brought over your present, Mr. Trommel, and 

 I liked that 'most the best of anything, except Evan- 



