Page:The Wreck of a World - Grove - 1890.djvu/155

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The Wreck of a World.
139

always business nowadays when we catch a glimpse of you."

"No Sir, it's not exactly business this time. I thought I should like to see how you and—and Gell—were getting on."

"Well it is always a pleasure to see you here, the oftener the better. I shall be busy for ten minutes though; will you excuse me for so long, and take a turn round the garden with Aurelia?"

I saw that he wished to be alone with her, and guessed his errand. They had better have it out together.

"How lovely these roses are looking," said Aurelia, after they had walked some minutes in silence. "I brought them with me from home, and have managed to keep them alive in spite of circumstances. I do love roses."

"Queen of the rose-bud garden of girls,
Queen lily and rose in one;
"

murmured Dana.

"Whom are you quoting?"

"Oh some old fellow who lived a century ago—I forget his name. Will you give me a bud?"