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All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

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172 ALL IX A GARDEN FAIR.<br />

noth<strong>in</strong>g but a candid op<strong>in</strong>ion, Claire—not praise<br />

which I do not deserve.' This is, <strong>in</strong> fact, what all<br />

young writers want. ' I want your dispassionate<br />

judgment. Tell me what my faults are.*<br />

' I shall see no faults, <strong>All</strong>en.'<br />

' Yes, oh yes ! I am sure <strong>the</strong>re are faults.<br />

Sometimes I th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong>y are full <strong>of</strong> faults ; but<br />

sometimes—oh I Claire, do not th<strong>in</strong>k me va<strong>in</strong><br />

sometimes I th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong>y are really good<br />

worthy even <strong>of</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g pubhshed.'<br />

' I am sure <strong>the</strong>y are, <strong>All</strong>en.'<br />

' Then, Claire '—his hand stole <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong><br />

breast-pocket <strong>of</strong> his coat— ' I have <strong>the</strong>m here.<br />

Kemember, if I give <strong>the</strong>m to you it must be on<br />

<strong>the</strong> promise that you are not to flatter me.<br />

Put <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> fire if you f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>m bad.'<br />

He said this with so rueful a face that Claire<br />

was fa<strong>in</strong> to laugh at him.<br />

' You silly boy,' she said ;<br />

' give me <strong>the</strong><br />

papers. And what would you say if I were<br />

really to put your poems <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> fire ? To be<br />

sure, we have no fire <strong>in</strong> June.'<br />

He handed her <strong>the</strong> packet, solemnly and

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