At the shop, they found boxes already painted green, and built in the most approved fashion as to lining of zinc and pipe drainage.
They selected three, two to be placed on either side of the front verandah, and the other across Mrs. Maynard’s bedroom window, which was in the middle of the house, in the second story.
These were bought and ordered sent home, and the shopkeeper promised to send them at once.
So the quartette went next to the florist’s.
Here they grew quieter, for they became greatly interested in listening to Mr. Gilbert’s advice about plants for boxes.
After careful consideration of the various flowers, they made their choice.
Each was expected to select plants for one box, and then to plant and care for that especial box all summer.
Marjorie was given the box for her mother’s window; and she chose scarlet geraniums, with ferns for a background, and a border of sweet alyssum in front.
“You may have some trouble with them ’ere ferns, Miss,” said the good-natured florist. “But if you do, an’ if ’tain’t your fault, you come back here, and I’ll give you new ones fer ’em. That maidenhair fern’s pretty hard to raise.”
“Oh, I’ll be very careful,” said Marjorie, confidently. “I think it will grow all right.”