“Those Golden Beauty culls Hanny gave me are something special, don’t forget,” Vevi argued. “Miss Mohr must know all about them. That’s probably why she said I could plant them now. Their growing season must be shorter than for other tulips.” “She wasn’t paying much attention to what you said,” Jane recalled doubtfully. “I don’t think she really heard--” “Oh, yes, she did,” Vevi cut in. “Miss Mohr said I could plant tulips, and she meant it too.” “I think pansies would be nicer,” Jane argued. “I saw a pretty basket of them a few minutes ago on my way to the library.” “No pansies,” Vevi said emphatically. “That would cost money. I have the tulip bulbs and they didn’t cost a penny.” Jane and Connie reluctantly abandoned the argument. Having won her point, Vevi now was eager to plant the bulbs immediately. “You’ll need tools,” Jane pointed out “Do you have a trowel?” “What’s that?” “Oh, a thing you dig with. We have one at home. Then you ought to have fertilizer to put with each bulb. I know because I’ve watched my father plant things lots of times.” “Let’s go to your house and get the stuff we’ll need,” proposed Vevi. Jane protested that she had come down town to see the flower festival. She was not ready as yet to return home. “Let’s look at the flowers quick then,” Vevi urged. “Most of the exhibits are at the auditorium.” The girls walked to the centrally located public building. At the door they discovered that tickets were required in order to get inside. “I don’t have fifty cents,” Vevi announced. “Even if I did I wouldn’t spend it to see flowers growing in pots. I would rather look at them free on Windmill Farm.” “Anyway, hardly anyone is in the auditorium,” Connie observed, peering through the open door. The girls caught a glimpse of a room filled with all types of spring flowers. In the center of the hall, an artificial fountain splashed into a shallow tank where goldfish swam. “That fountain isn’t nearly as nice as the one on Mrs. Langley’s estate,” Jane said. “There aren’t many flowers either,” added Connie. “See all the blank spaces along the wall where there should be exhibits.” As the three were peering in, Mr. Piff came along. “Children you are blocking the door,” he scolded. “Stand aside so that folks can get into the auditorium.” “There aren’t any folks trying to get in,” Jane replied. “I guess you aren’t selling many tickets.” Mr. Piff scowled, not liking the little girl’s observation. Then he smiled wryly and admitted that she was right. “Do you girls want to go inside?” he inquired. “Pass right on in.” “Free?” Vevi asked quickly. “Go ahead,” Mr. Piff directed. “What’s the difference? This show is a flop and everyone knows it.” “Maybe more people will come tomorrow,” Connie said kindly. “Tomorrow will be worse than today,” Mr. Piff rejoined. “I only hope I won’t be here to hear the squawks of the business men when they find out how deep in the hole we’re going to be.”