OR, HOW I BECAME A FLORIST. 105 



broken, I returned to the house, threw myself on the sofa, 

 and burst into a flood of tears. And this is the end of all 

 my labor, and all my waiting and watching. In one night 

 my plants destroyed and my business prostrated. So much 

 for the carelessness of my servant, and my own folly in 

 trusting to another what I should have attended to my- 

 self. Surely, I have learned a lesson, but at what a cost. 



Suddenly the door-bell rang, and in a moment Mr. Felix 

 stood before me. 



" Why, Mrs. Oilman, what is the matter ? Are you sick ? " 



"No yes yes, I am sick, It's enough to make 

 any one sick. I've failed, I know I have." 



" Failed ! How so? Have you lost your pay through 

 the failure of the store?" 



" No, no ; it is not that. The fire went out, and and 

 oh, I'm sure I have failed in everything." 



" The fire went out ! when ? " 



" Last night, and every plant is frozen stiff." 



Then I buried my face in my hands, and sobbed as if my 

 heart would break. Presently I felt a light touch on my 

 shoulder. 



"Mrs. Oilman, you must rouse yourself. You must 

 not give up in this way. There is no time to lose. Every- 

 thing depends upon prompt action." 



" No, I cannot, Mr. Felix. I have worked too long and 

 too hard already, and I'll do no more. It is of no further 



