Vevi might have teased a bit. Before she could do so, however, the children were startled to hear loud angry voices. They could not see the speakers, but the sound came from the direction of the house. “Uncle Peter has lost his temper again!” Hanny gasped. “Oh, dear!” Gathering up her skirts, she ran swiftly toward the veranda. _Chapter 3_ MR. PIFF’S PLAN Vevi and Connie hastened after Hanny as fast as they could. Breathlessly, the three children reached the veranda where Peter Van Der Lann and Mr. Piff were talking. “I want no part of it,” Mr. Van Der Lann said firmly. “My nursery is not yet profitable. I have no money to donate to your show.” “It will be a money making proposition for you,” the promoter argued. “We’ll bring folks here to your farm--charge admission. They’ll see your fine tulips in bloom and order bulbs. Your business will boom.” “No part of it for me,” Mr. Van Der Lann repeated. At that Mr. Piff again lost patience. “You are a stubborn Dutchman!” he exclaimed. “You come to America with only one thought--to make money!” The children thought that Peter meant to strike the promoter, he became so angry. His ruddy face flushed an even darker hue and he drew in his breath sharply. “You insult me,” he said. “Leave my farm! Leave it at once, and don’t come back!” “Okay, okay, Dutchman,” Mr. Piff muttered, backing away. “Just keep your shirt on! I meant no offense.” Miss Mohr and Miss Gordon had been deeply distressed by the turn of the conversation. They apologized to Peter, telling him that they did not know Mr. Piff well. They said too, that they were sorry they had brought him to the farm to cause trouble. “The fault is mine,” said Peter, smiling warmly. “It is my hot temper again! You must forgive me. I did not mean to be rude or lacking in hospitality.” “I’m sure you didn’t,” replied Miss Mohr with a gracious manner. She turned to follow Mr. Piff to the car. “No, no! You cannot go now!” cried Peter in distress. “First you must have tea and chocolate. Come inside, all of you.” Vevi and Connie eagerly started up the veranda steps. The Brownie Scout leader and Miss Mohr held back, scarcely knowing what to do. “Mr. Piff is waiting for us,” Miss Mohr said uneasily. “We really should go--” But Peter would not let the meeting end on an unpleasant note. He urged Hanny to take the two women, Vevi and Connie into the parlor. Then he went to the car to tell Mr. Piff he was sorry to have spoken so hastily. “You’ll reconsider and go in with us on the flower show?” Mr. Piff demanded. Peter shook his head. “No, no!” he said impatiently. “I have told you already--I have no money for such affairs.” “I’ll make you change your mind yet,” Mr. Piff insisted. “You’re missing the chance of a lifetime.” Halfway restored to good humor, he allowed Peter to escort him into the farmhouse.