“I want you to begin here, and in the rosery. You see this book of mine is going to be a big thing, a treasure house for the real people who want to know. I shall need portraits of individual flowers, and studies of colour effects during the different months. I shall also want illustrations of many fine gardens that have been put at my service. That is to say, I may have to ask you to travel about a little, to paint some of the special things, such as the Ryecroft Dutch garden, and the Italian gardens at Latimer.” As he spoke the horizon of her life seemed to broaden before her. It was like the breaking through of a winter dawn when the grey crevices of the east fill with sudden fire. Everything looked bigger, more wonderful, more alluring. “I had no idea——” He was watching her face. “Well?” “That it was to be such a big thing.” “It may take me two or three more years. I have allowed myself five years for the book.” She drew in her breath. “Mr. Canterton, I don’t know what to say. And I don’t think you realise what you are offering me. Just—life, more life. But it almost frightens me that you should think——” His eyes smiled at her understandingly. “Paint me a few trial pieces. Begin with one of the borders here, and a rose bed in the rosery that I will show you. Also, give me a study of trees, and another of rocks and plants in the rock garden.” “I will begin at once.” He looked beyond her towards the blue hills. “As to the terms between us, will you let me write you a letter embodying them?” “Yes.” “You can have an agreement if you like.” She answered at once. “No. I think, somehow, I would rather not. And please don’t propose anything till you have seen more of what I can do.” Canterton led the way towards the rosery to show her the roses he wanted her to paint, and in passing through one of the tunnels in the yew hedge they were dashed into by a child who came flying like a blown leaf. It was Eve who received the rush of the impetuous figure. Her hands held Lynette to save her from falling. “Hallo!” Lynette’s face lifted to hers with surprise and laughter, and a questioning shyness. Eve kept her hold for the moment. They looked at each other with an impulse towards friendliness. “Lynette, old lady!” “Daddy, Miss Vance has gone off——” “Pop? Miss Carfax, let me introduce my daughter. Miss Lynette Canterton—Miss Carfax.” Eve slid her hands from Lynette’s body, but the child’s hands clung and held hers. “I’m so sorry. I hope it didn’t hurt? I don’t think I’ve seen you before.” “Well, we rushed at each other when we did meet.” “Is daddy showing you the garden?” “Yes.” “My name’s Lynette—not like linnet, you know, but Lyn-net.” “And my name’s Eve—just Eve.” “Who was made out of Adam’s rib. Poor Mr. Adam! I wonder whether he missed it?” They all laughed. Lynette kept hold of one of Eve’s hands, and held out her other one to Canterton. “Daddy, do come down to the Wilderness. I want to build a wagwim.” “Or wigwam?”