bulbs nor perennials. My gardener says--"

"But you remember the Totteridges!" Miggles interrupted, insistently
smiling. "Emily Mackintosh. She married the son of the old man, Rev
Totteridge, Vicar of Newley. My sister Susan was bridesmaid. Pink
taffetas. All the go. He went out to India and was killed by a tiger.
Poor Emily! You know their garden. That border by the church wall--"

"_My_ gardener says--"

"Emily always divided the bulbs. Some people leave them for three
years. Our old landlord over at Sutton--did you know the Dixons?
_Charming_ family! They used to come over and play croquet with us at
my old home. The second son was a dear fellow, but stuttered. So sad
when a man stutters. What was I saying, dear? I _do_ wander! Oh, yes!
Old Mr Dixon moved them every autumn--"

"My gardener says--"

"But they grew so matted. You know! _Matted_! Jungles! I always say
take a middle course. When I was spending my holiday in Devonshire I
had tea in a lovely old garden. Clotted cream. Did you ever try it
with marmalade? De-licious! All the lilies in one bed, and a stream
running through. `Cool Siloam.' Couldn't help thinking of it, you
know, but not in an irreverent spirit. Wouldn't be irreverent for the
world. It's the spirit that matters, isn't it, dear--the spirit, not
the letter? The scent of those lilies--"

"My gardener says--"

"Yes, dear, and of course he _has_ experience, but we must judge by
results--judge by results. Stands to reason, as I say, and you had so
few blooms. What can you expect if they never get any attention? Poor
things. We all like attention. I do, I'm sure. And if they're matted,
_can_ they bloom? Now try it one year! You're mistress. I don't
approve of being overruled. Consideration, but not concession. Hear
all that other people have to say, and take your own way afterwards, as
my dear mother used to say. Jean, you are laughing! Naughty girl!
What is so funny about bulbs?"

"My gardener says that well-established bulbs bloom better than those
which are continually removed," said Mrs Rendall firmly. "I intend to
follow his advice."

"Certainly, dear. Why not, if you wish it? The garden's your own.
Hope he appreciates his place. People always say gardeners are
despotic; my dear father would have no interference. Discharged three
men in succession for giving advice, and when the fourth came for orders
the first morning--I remember it s