Frank did as he was requested. The garden at the back of the house was a small one, covering some twenty-five perches; of these eight were to be blessed, or cursed, with a glass covering.
While Frank was engaged in tying up some Chrysanthemums, he was joined by Marie, the servant.
"Doin' a bit o' work, Master Frank," she said.
"Yes, a little," he replied.
"Well, that's better than mopin' about doing nothing," was the not over-particular rejoinder.
Frank smiled. "Well," he said, "a fellow must do something when he can, but there are times when he cannot."
"Perhaps," said Marie, rather absent-mindedly, as if she had not understood the meaning of his words.
She glanced around her, to make sure that there was no one about; then she came quite close to Frank. "Have you heard the news?" she said.
"What news?" questioned Frank.
"Why, they say your father is goin' to marry; didn't you know?"