Mrs. V. Probably not, my dear: you never have been accustomed to flowers out of a hot-house. Hot-house flowers live longer after they are gathered, if they are put into water with the chill off. They have been reared in the warmth, and the sudden change from heat to cold is not good for them.
Julia. How shall we manage, mamma, to keep the water warm? I shall forget, perhaps, to add a little now and then; and what you have put in, will become cold soon. How shall we keep it warm?
Mrs. V. It is not necessary it should continue warm: it will cool gradually, and the flowers will, by degrees, be familiarized to the temperature of the water, as well as of the room—that is, familiarized to the heat of the air which is in the room. The degree of heat or cold of any thing, is called its temperature.
Julia carefully untied the bass, which was wound round the stalks in order to hold them together. She displayed the whole of her treasure on the table, and consulted with her mother, to determine what flowers would go best together, and how to form the prettiest groups.—“Only smell this rose!—Look at this sprig of myrtle! See how delicate this lilac is! These lilies of the valley are quite lovely!—Did you ever see a brighter yellow, mamma, than this jonquil! Look at this hyacinth—and this—and this! I do not know which is the finest. Which do you admire most? the white, the pink, or the blue? I will place your favourite in the centre—here, just in front. That does very well. But, mamma, do not you think it will be better to have a little more green? Shall I put these geranium leaves here, at the back?—Oh, thank you! that does beautifully!—There, that flower-pot is full.—I wish I could draw. I dare say Mary will copy some of these beauties: I will ask Mary to teach me how to copy flowers.—Well, now we may begin to fill another flower-pot.”
In this manner did little Julia chatter on, as busy as a bee, till this important affair was finished. Then she assisted in carrying the flower-pots and rose-tree into the small parlour, which was set apart for Mary’s room. It was a pretty, cheerful room: the window opened into the garden. The prospect of the country beyond was rich and fertile. The inside was fitted up with shelves, on which Julia had ranged all her sister’s books. There were likewise drawers for work, &c. and convenient places for writing and drawing implements, as well as maps of different kinds. It was in this room that Julia expected to spend many delightful hours. She could amuse herself quietly, without disturbing her sister when she was engaged; and therefore she was often allowed to remain the greatest part of the morning with her. She was very attentive, and desirous of learning; and therefore her sister willingly instructed her, and, when at leisure, was in the habit of reading and conversing a great deal with her; teaching her geography and other useful things, which afforded her much amusement. The two small flower-pots were placed on the chimney-piece, by Julia’s direction: the large one stood on a high green basket. The rose-tree was placed on a small table, opposite the door, that Mary might see it the moment she entered the apartment.—Julia went out and came in again, that she might judge of the effect on first opening the door.—“Do, mamma, be so good as to come here. Will not Mary be delighted?—will she not be astonished?” she repeatedly asked.
Mrs. V. Yes, Julia; I expect this grand display will surprise her. You will wish to enjoy the pleasure of showing her the house, particularly this room, yourself; therefore I advise you to begin your lessons, that you may be at leisure when she arrives.
Julia. It is early yet, mamma. There is no hurry. I need not walk to the church lane now, you know, mamma.
Mrs. V. Very true; yet, admiring these flowers, and settling them and the room to your satisfaction, has taken up more time than the walk would have done. It is now past twelve.
Julia. Past twelve!—I should think you are mistaken, mamma.
Mrs. Vincent showed her watch.