THE CLUB IN MAEY'S GAEDEN 171 



"It is a great responsibility," said Herr Trommel, 

 sympathetically. 



The under-gardener nodded. "I always think of 

 it in church when they say, 'Bless thy servant the 

 President of the United States, amd all others in 

 authority.' " 



Mr. Trommel coughed. 



"What is it you discuss this time ? " 



"My paper 's on watering." 



"I should like, indeed, to hear that," said Mr. 

 Trommel. 



"And Buddy Thomas is to read a paper too. When 

 you 're a club or a society you say a 'paper,' but it 's 

 just like a composition," explained the under-gar- 

 deuer. "Those we have written this summer we are 

 saving to hand in at school in the fall." 



"An excellent plan," commented Mr. Trommel. 



"You 're sure you can't come? " said Mary, turn- 

 ing back reluctantly as she stood at the gate. 



"No, no ! I shall have a far better understanding 

 if you come and tell me." 



Certainly the little garden was looking its prettiest. 

 The sweet peas were abloom and the nasturtiums 

 were sturdily climbing toward the top of the fence. 



