46 MADGE’S MISTAKE.

Simmons considers once more, and then
says:

“What time would you be wanting it,
Miss Madge?”

“Oh! very early,” I reply, “very early,
indeed—in fact, you see, I want to get to
M— and back again before breakfast.”

Simmons evidently thinks my madness a

 

hopeless case, and after another lengthened
stare, says:

* Well, we'll see what can be done, Miss
Madge; but now you must let me know what
it is all about, as I shouldn’t like to enter
into all this without there being a good
reason for it.”

“Oh, but there 7s a very good reason for
it,” I reply promptly, “and I’m sure you'll
think so too when I tell you;” and I settle
myself comfortably in the wheel-barrow
preparatory to holding forth.

“You know,” I commence, “that Father
is going to send roses to the show this year?
Well, I wanted to get some flowers for
Mother this morning, and as I didn’t know