152 THE GARDEN OF A 



Evan only consented to it because I urged it. No 

 woman should try to live the country life if she is 

 hysterical and makes her husband a train-slave. 

 Now, if you please, this talk must stop, and never 

 be renewed. I hear Tim bringing round the horse." 



As I went to help her with her bag and the 

 packages containing her various belongings, I saw 

 that she hung back and evidently had something 

 further on her mind. To bring the really painful 

 visit to an end, I asked if I could do anything for 

 her. She hesitated, and then whispered, 



" Would you show me your new clothes ? I've a 

 great deal to fix over. I didn't buy a trousseau, as 

 your Uncle Jabez was changing his charge at the 

 time of our wedding. Have you anything tasteful 

 in hats ? Being at the head of a parish, and going 

 to teas, cake-sales, funerals, and experience meet- 

 ings, I'm called upon for quite a change." 



The relief was almost too sudden. At last a 

 subject that could not breed strife! I showed her 

 my modest store, a London tailor suit, some dainty 

 waists, an outing gown, an evening dress, a fur 

 jacket, and the hats. Hats have always been one 

 of my weaknesses. You can express so much in 

 a hat ; it often calls for flowers, and it requires very 

 few stitches. Other sewing seems such a waste 



