THE MERRY GARDENER.
Mrs. Dodge was the widow of a clergyman. At her husband's death she
was left destitute; and until Albert was able to labor for her
support, she kept school, filling up every moment out of school hours,
in sewing for the slop-shops.
In this way she injured her health, and her son insisted she should
hire a couple of rooms, take his sister from an uncle's where she was
not happy, and keep house for him.
Her health was now entirely restored, and she had resolved to
advertise for a situation as housekeeper, and thus relieve her son of
the burden of her own and her daughter's support.
The longer Mrs. Curtis knew Mrs. Dodge, the better she was convinced
that she was exactly the person to relieve her of her household care.
They sent to the city for Nelly the daughter, and found she was old
enough to be of service as a chamber girl. Nancy was to retain her old
place as nurse, so that only a cook was needed to make the corps
complete.
It was not long before Albert was able to return to the city. He was
delighted that his mother and sister were provided for, and kept Mr.
and Mrs. Taylor laughing from morning till night; and yet Mr. Curtis
suspected there was something on his mind that troubled him.
The night before he was to leave he requested an interview with the
Squire, when with some embarrassment he said:
"Bertie told me to-day that you were looking for a gardener. If I can
fit myself for the business by next spring, will you let me try it?"
"Do you know any thing about flowers?"
"I worked one winter for a gentleman who cultivated flowers and fruit
for sale. He had violets and carnation-pinks and roses, and in other
houses he had strawberries and mushrooms, and lettuce. I think as far
as I went I learned the business thoroughly."
"Capital! and do you understand about laying out grounds? I mean small
plats for flowers."
"I can't say, sir, how I should please you or the lady; but I could
draw you a plan of what I've been wanting to see in front of the
house. Perhaps you could judge something by that."
Mr. Curtis sat thinking for a time, and then Albert said with his
old, merry twinkle:
"I'd like first rate to work for you, Squire; and I suppose mother
would like to have me where she can look after me a little. I needn't
promise, I'd try to do my best, for you know that already. I'd work
for considerable less wages for the sake of being near Bertie."
"But your Mission School! what will become of that?"
Albert's face grew serious. "That's the only thing I regret, in
leaving the city," he said. "There's so much to be done for the poor
children wandering about the streets, I am sorry to leave my school;
but the doctor says my life depends on quitting my present business."
As Mr. Curtis still seemed absorbed in thought, the young man added
presently: "If you give me any encouragement I shall go back to Hantz
where I once worked. Before you would need me in the spring I could
learn something if I tried."
"Does Bertie know of your wish?"
"No, sir, I was afraid you'd consent to try me just to please him; and
I want you to feel yourself that I'm worth trying."
This was said with a laugh.
"Well," answered the gentleman, "I'll think of it, and possibly I may
give you an answer in the morning. But, as you are going to leave the
city, you mustn't give up trying to do good. Workmen are needed in the
country as well as the city."
It was Mr. Curtis' intention to move into his new house the first week
in November. Upholsterers were already engaged inside in fitting
carpets, and making ready for the furniture to be removed from their
city home.
Mrs. Dodge, therefore, was going to give up her rooms, sell her plain
furniture, and be ready to return as soon as possible. She knew
nothing of her son's application to Mr. Curtis and felt considerable
anxiety on his account. Her delight, therefore, may be imagined when
after they were seated in the cars on their return to the city he
informed her that the Squire had engaged him for a gardener, and thus
they would all be together once more.