73 



I, with all my experience, would not undertake to grow 

 more than a dozen sorts. It is better for you to confine 

 yourself to perhaps six varieties." 



"Thank you, Mr. Felix. I understand you perfectly. 

 What six shall I take? Would heliotrope do for one? " 



" Admirably ; the culture is easy and the return in flow- 

 ers liberal." 



Just then the bell rang and Mr. Sawplane entered. In- 

 troducing the two gentlemen to each other, they got out 

 drawing materials, and Mr. Felix began to unfold his plans 

 to the carpenter. I sat near by, an absorbed and inter- 

 ested listener. We had not been so engaged long, before 

 the bell rang again, and, opening the door, I found my 

 brother Joseph, his wife Charlotte, and Mr. Dooless, the 

 minister. There was no help for it, and I asked them into 

 the room where the two gentlemen were sitting. After 

 introducing them to my visitors, I offered seats, and we 

 all sat down. The usual remarks on the weather followed, 

 and then conversation suddenly ceased, and a dreadful 

 pause ensued. Anxious for a change, I turned to Mr. 

 Felix, and said : 



" How do you get on with your drawings? " 



"Oh, fairly, thank you. I think Mr. Sawplane 

 grasps my idea of a house, though it is a new one to 

 him." 



Here the minister coughed, and his companions looked 

 at each other with a peculiar smile. I paid no attention 



7 



