Robin Hood's Barn 



I have discovered, is a friendly hand laid on its 

 great stalk and woolly leaves. And while its pro- 

 tection was never sought for and all unasked it 

 mounted guard, now that I have grown accus- 

 tomed to its sharp arrest, I should miss it from 

 its post. 



So it is that no matter where my visitors may 

 wander, there are matters that must be explained. 

 The pea-bed that has run to poppies ! Why, they 

 cannot see the vines for all the nodding heads. 

 If there be a choice I tell them quickly the pref- 

 erence is shown to poppies. Peas I can buy. 

 They are in the market, things of barter. But 

 where could I pxu*chase those great somber blooms 

 of wine dark red? No, my garden needs too 

 much explanation to permit of any browsing. 

 All visitors I must keep close at hand. 



But when it comes to others' gardens, with 

 true perversity and little of the spirit of reci- 

 procity, I like best to make my way alone. If 

 I am to catch their charm, the owner must not 

 be there to distract me with her pride in her 

 possessions. I must chance upon her treasures 

 if I am to know their worth. 



[io6] 



