208 THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 



is certainly a new one. I suppose Wellson makes a good 

 thing of it. How much do you sell in a day, miss? " 



" About twenty-five dollars' worth. We could do better 

 if we only had more land." 



" Don't think it, my dear. That never follows. It is 

 the high culture of the small farm that is best. Had you 

 more land, you would not cultivate it so thoroughly. Here 

 is your money." 



Kate took the change, and then turned to her next cus- 

 tomer. While she was serving him, the young gentleman 

 stood aloof, looking gravely on. 



" What folly in me ! " said he to himself. " Why should 

 not they, or any one, do this ? I fancy that nonsense is 

 well knocked out of me, now that it is too late. My in- 

 sane and foolish pride has done^it all, and well I might 

 try, at any rate. I'll do it." 



The other people were now served, and went away. 

 Kate was in a perfect tremor of excitement. She managed 

 to stammer out : 



" Will you have any fruit, sir ? " 



" Yes no why, yes, I will, only I have nothing 

 to take it in." 



" Let me get you a basket," said Kate. Away she flew 

 towards the house. As she pushed into the kitchen she 

 cried, "0 Mary! Mary! " 



She paused abruptly. Mary was not there. 



