CALLIOPSIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2394, 8 January 1909, Page 12 (Supplement)

CALLIOPSIS.

I could see them from my window as they lifted their bright sunny faces and- s-nnled at mo above the brown paling fence that divided our garden from the Smith’s. They had been my one patch of sunlight through a week of long, grey, rainy days, and as my household duties brought me frequently before my -window I envied the Smiths the golden treasures of their garden, and determined to beg a bunch when they returned from tlieir long lioliI love all flowers passionately, and could picture these golden glories massed in my bronze art howl. So I waited patiently for the Smith’s return home, which was to be within a few days. At last the Smiths were home; the blinds were up, and there was Mr. S. taking a look round the garden. He paused before the riot of golden blooms. Ah! I thought he had the artist’s soul, and admires -as I do. I hurried on with my duties, so as to pay an early visit in quest ot the coveted flowers, ami I ran up later oil between the showers to nnu Smith busy in liis garden. * rlfi corned him back, and after a little talk and the inspection of some new bouvardia plants lie Jhad brought home with him, 1 led up to my request- for a hunch of calliopsis. “Oh, those things; I have just pulled them up; wouldn’t give them garden room. In fact, I don t hnov how they came here.” And there on the garden path lay my little patch of sunlight my sunny-faced flowei friends, a wet, trampled mass. Gently I picked off a tew that had escaped the tread of Smith s feet, a soft, little shower began to tall though in Pity, and, with moisture in mv own eyes, I left this soulless gardener to his work of destruction. (\ L E.P., in the “Sydney MornC ing Herald.”)