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

254 ^^/-^ ^^^' ^ CARDEX FAIR.
Claii^e, he surveyed womankind from China to
Peru, reckoning from east to west, or as much
of til at space as he could command, inchiding
the young ladies of Lough ton, Chingford, Buck-
hurst Hill, Chigwell, Theydon Bois, Epping,
and even Leytonstone, going to church on
Sunday mornings with no other object than the
consideration of the other sex. He stood in
tlie porch and watched them coming out, seeing
them in this way at their best, with their nicest
frocks on and in their sweetest looks. He came
to the deliberate conclusion that of all the girls
Claire was the prettiest, and the best dressed,
and tlie nicest. He then informed his mother
of his design, not asking her counsel or permis-
sion, but announcing: his will, like the o-reat
Bashaw.
pered.
'Only a governess, my dear?' slie whis-
'A beautiful woman, mother, in the eyes of
lier lover is the equal of a countess.' He thrust
his hand into his bosom as he uttered this
magnificent sentiment, and wished himself a