Robin Hood's Barn 



too tropical and in ordering pass over those 

 starred as an extra size. Yet in a moment I shall 

 see, not the slender grace that I have sought for, 

 but the ruffled hugeness that there should have 

 been. My friend's, of course, are a prize mixture 

 and gold-medaled. Why, she has had to stake 

 each plant. 



But in late summer it is my dahlias that suffer 

 most from condescension. Hers are her hobby. 

 She gi-ows them with the greatest care, with such 

 selection, with such rigorous exclusion of those 

 which have not toed the mark. And the result! 

 Each plant, its stalk as big as her own arm, yields 

 exhibition flowers. Not, I am to understand, the 

 old varieties, but those not yet upon the market 

 and secured by hook and crook. With mine, she 

 long ago cut her acquaintanceship. Lady Car- 

 michael! I learn that she has grown plebeian for 

 all her high-bred air and golden gown. And 

 Queen Wilhelmina! Clad in white samite, she 

 looks entirely regal, yet for all that a high tri- 

 bunal has voted her dethroned. No wonder that 

 I give the shelter of my back to Bobby, that 

 perennial urchin who every summer sticks up his 



[204], 



