“ What was growing in them besides the weeds, and stones?” asked Nat; so interested, he forgot his shyness and spoke before them all. “ Flowers,” said Mr. Bhaer, with a kind look. “Even the roughest, most neglected little bed had a bit of heart's-ease or a sprig of mignonette in it. One had roses, sweet peas, and daisies in it,” here he pinched the plump cheek of the little girl leaning on his arm. “Another had all sorts of curious plants in it, bright pebbles, a vine that went climbing up like Jack's beanstalk, and many good seeds just beginning to sprout; for, you see, this bed had been taken fine care of by a wise old man, who had worked in gardens of this sort all his life.” At this part of the “arrygory,” Demi put his head on one side like an inquisitive bird, and fixed his bright

