“You’re exactly the person I’ve wanted to see,” Mr. Piff told her. “I have a plan which I know will interest you—”
From that point on, he talked and talked, outlining his scheme for the big commercial flower show. At first Mrs. Langley did not seem very much impressed. However, before the ride ended, she had begun to ask many questions.
“Do come in,” she invited the group when finally the car reached her home. “You must see my gardens.”
“Another time perhaps,” said Miss Gordon. “Mr. Piff was in a hurry to keep an appointment—”
“That can wait,” he cut in. “Nothing shall deprive me of the pleasure of viewing Mrs. Langley’s beautiful garden.”
The hour had grown late. Miss Mohr and Miss Gordon felt they should be returning to their homes. However, Mr. Piff had forgotten his haste entirely. To the annoyance of the two women, he insisted upon remaining.
The grounds were well-kept and very lovely. Tiny box hedges edged the formal flower beds. There were fountains, a gazing globe and a sun dial.
“How would you children like to pick yourselves a tussie-mussie bouquet?” suggested Mrs. Langley.
“What is that?” asked Vevi, who had never heard of such a thing.
The garden club president explained that a tussie-mussie bouquet really was a tiny nosegay, or flowers arranged for their scents. Each little bouquet was set off with a small paper lace cap.