OR, HOW I BECAME A FLORIST. 59 



"Yes, more than right. I do sell flowers, and you are 

 free to examine if you wish." 



' ' You have some fine carnations, and they are in good order." 



" Are they? I am glad to hear it." 



" And your hybrid roses, too, are blooming very late. 

 They are generally gone before this. Your garden evidently 

 belongs to a gardener." 



" It was my husband's garden. He is dead now. Since 

 he died I have taken care of it myself." 



" Indeed ! and you sell the flowers too ? " 



"Yes, I am my own gardener, saleswoman, and every- 

 thing else." 



" Really, I am glad to hear it. I have long had an idea 

 that women could become florists, as well as men. I am 

 myself a florist, and as we are of one trade let me introduce 

 myself. Edwin Felix. My greenhouses are on the turn- 

 pike, about two miles from here." 



" Thank you, sir. I am pleased to make your acquaint- 

 ance. But do not consider, or call me, a florist. I know 

 absolutely nothing about it. Not nearly so much as did 

 my husband, Mr. Oilman." 



"Doubtless you can soon learn. Have you read any 

 books on the subject ? " 



" I have merely glanced at one or two, but they tell me so 

 many things I am in despair at the prospect. I do not 

 know where to begin." 



" I can understand your case. The books are important, 



