human
Oh, my dear girls, why, you have done nothing here--nothing at all!
gpt
We are going to almost immediately, Mrs. Haddo.
human
I quite love gardening. I was only waiting until Betty gave the word.
gpt
So you two little girls obey Betty in all things?
human
We only do it because we love to,
gpt
Well, my dears, I am surprised! Why, there isn't a sight of your Scotch heather! Has it died? What has happened to it?
human
We made a burnt-offering of it,
gpt
You did what?
human
You see, said Betty,
gpt
She now looked full up at her mistress.
human
The Scotch heather could not live in exile. So we burnt it, and set all the fairies free. They are in Aberdeenshire now, and quite happy.
gpt
What a quaint idea! said Mrs. Haddo.
human
You must tell me more about this by-and-by, Betty.
gpt
Meanwhile, continued Mrs. Haddo, who felt puzzled at the girl's manner, she scarcely knew why,
human
I will tell a gardener to have the gardens well dug and laid out in little walks. I will also have the beds prepared, and then you must consult Birchall about the sort of things that grow best in this special plot of ground. Let me see, this is Thursday. I have no doubt Birchall could have a consultation with you on the subject this very minute if you like to see him.
gpt
Oh yes, please!
human
Do you greatly mind if we do nothing about our gardens until next week?
gpt
If you prefer it, certainly, answered Mrs. Haddo.
human
The plots of ground are your property while you stay at Haddo Court. You can neglect them, or you can tend them. Some of the girls of this school have very beautiful gardens, full of sweet, smiling flowers; others, again, do nothing at all in them. I never praise those who cultivate their little patch of garden-ground, and I never blame those who neglect it. It is all a matter of feeling. In my opinion, the garden is meant to be a delight; those who do not care for it miss a wonderful joy, but I don't interfere.
gpt
Wasn't it funny of her to say that a garden was meant to be a delight? said Sylvia.
human
Oh Betty, don't you love her very much?
gpt
Don't ask me,
human
Betty, said Sylvia,
gpt
Miss it! said Betty;