86 THE GARDEN OF A 



imitation of the classic gardens of other days and 

 times ; that I would not have it tricked out with the 

 wearisome, formal, tartlike beds that caused Bacon 

 to groan, even if the cost did not make such a 

 thing impossible for commuters of moderate means. 

 The last reason was within her comprehension. 



" I know such things are very expensive," she 

 continued, with a sigh. " You wouldn't believe what 

 our Italian garden cost, with digging out and 

 filling in. My dear, we had to fill up thirteen feet 

 deep in one spot, and piping the water for the pools, 

 and after that the engine to run the fountain, and 

 the electric plant to light up at night. For of course 

 the trees are so young yet that there's no shade, 

 and it's perfectly impossible to go out there in the 

 daytime. And it was so thoughtless too in our 

 landscapist, this season he had yellow flowers that 

 close at night put in one of the most conspic- 

 uous places, and so some of the best effects are 

 spoiled. 



" I think I shall have to coax your husband next 

 season to fit us up with a list of night-blooming 

 things. I suppose he'd be reasonable to a neighbour. 

 By the way, my dear, has it occurred to you what a 

 grand advertisement for him it would be to have a good 

 showy Italian garden on this hillside and his name and 



