"Truly a small slice from the loaf the catalogues offer," you say. Yes; but you must remember that our wild nursery has a long chain to add to these.
In looking over the list of shrubs, it seems to me that the majority of them, like the early wild flowers, are white, but then it is almost as impossible to have too many white flowers as too many green leaves.
September 15. I was prevented from finishing this until to-day, when I have a new domestic event to relate. Maria, no longer a music mistress, has leased the Opal Farm, it seems, and will remain with me this winter pending the repairing of the house, which Amos Opie himself is to superintend. I wish I could fathom the ins and outs of the matter, which are not at present clear, but probably I shall know in time. Meanwhile, I have Maria for a winter companion, and a mystery to solve and puzzle about; is not this truly feminine bliss?
XVII
THE INS AND OUTS OF THE MATTER
Chronicled by the rays of light and sound waves upon the walls of the house at Opal Farm.
People Involved
The Man from Everywhere, keeping bachelor's hall in the
eastern half of the farm home.
Amos Opie, living in the western half of the house, the separating
door being locked on his side.
Maria Maxwell, who, upon hearing Opie is again ill, has
dropped in to give him hot soup and medicine.