"I wonder how they set about skinning 'em." "Here, Ruth," said Mr Benson, coming in from the garden, "here's a rose or two for you.

I am sorry there are no more; I hoped I should have had my yellow rose out by this time, but the damask and the white are in a warmer corner, and have got the start." Miss Benson and Leonard stood at the door, and watched her down the little passage-street till she was out of sight.
She had hardly touched the bell at Mr Bradshaw's door, when Mary and Elizabeth opened it with boisterous glee.
"We saw you coming--we've been watching for you--we want you to come round the garden before tea; papa is not come in yet.

Do come!" She went round the garden with a little girl clinging to each arm.

It was full of sunshine and flowers, and this made the contrast between it and the usual large family room (which fronted the north-east, and therefore had no evening sun to light up its cold, drab furniture) more striking than usual.

It looked very gloomy.