OR, HOW I BECAME A FLORIST. 75 



" No gentleman would, I am sure, and no lady can stoop 

 so low." 



" Ah, thank you for your opinion. Our tastes differ, I 

 see." 



" Come, Maria, say you will give up this wild scheme." 



" No, Joseph, I had rather not. I have been so success- 

 ful thus far that I do not intend to stop now. Having put 

 my hand to the plough, I shall not turn back." 



"Indeed! I should like to know how much you have 

 made. Did it pay for your shoe leather ? " 



" I shall not tell you, Joseph. I never asked to see your 

 ledger, and I'll not show you mine." 



" Nobody cares to see it, I am sure," said Charlotte. 



" Christian friends," said the minister, rising, "let us 

 depart. < Ephraim is joined to his idols.' ' 



" Yes," said I, "and means to stay joined." 



Then they rose as if to go. I was glad and relieved, for 

 the whole scene was annoying and painful. Just as they 

 started for the door, Mr. Felix spoke. 



" Wait a moment, gentlemen. Let us hear more of this 

 matter. The other side has not been heard yet. Perhaps, 

 after all, Mrs. Oilman could be induced to give us some of 

 the facts in relation to her business. I, for one, could judge 

 of them correctly, as I am a practical florist." 



At this my sister literally wilted away, and endeavored 

 to beat a retreat, but Joseph detained her. They then sat 

 down again, but evidently in no pleasant mood. 



