OE, HOW I BECAME A FLORIST. 23 



CHAPTER II. 



NEW FRIENDS AND NEW FLOWERS. 



THE next day opened fine and warm. In the morning 

 we went to church. My husband had fortunately paid for 

 pew-rent in advance; so I resolved to occupy it as long as 

 I could. I did not intend to take a back seat until obliged 

 to. In the afternoon the heat was so oppressive that I 

 stayed at home and read aloud to the children. In the midst 

 of our reading I heard a low rumble as of distant thunder. 

 Not thinking anything about it I continued reading. Again 

 the thunder pealed, and louder than before. A shower was 

 evidently approaching. Then I remembered the garden, 

 and wondered what effect the rain would have upon my 

 flowers. I must go out and have a look at it. Calling the 

 children to see the coming storm, we went out to the yard. 

 On going outside the front gate, I looked up the village 

 street and saw dark masses of clouds piling up the north- 

 western sky. Calling their attention to the sight, I tried to 

 explain to them that, threatening and terrible as it seemed, 

 yet the rain would wash away the dust and revive the 

 grass and the flowers. 



"Yes, mother," said Johnny; "but won't it spoil all 

 your flowers ? " 



