She says it completely spoils it if some one else knows it first, and breaks it to her gently." "Here comes the duchess," said Garth Dalmain, who was sitting where he could see the little gate into the rose-garden.
"Do not mention the telegram," cautioned Jane.

"It would not please her that I should even know of its arrival.

It would be a shame to take any of the bloom off the unexpected delight of a wire on this hot day, when nothing unusual seemed likely to happen." They turned and looked towards the duchess as she bustled across the lawn; this quaint old figure, who had called them together; who owned the lovely place where they were spending such delightful days; and whose odd whimsicalities had been so freely discussed while they drank her tea and feasted off her strawberries.

The men rose as she approached, but not quite so spontaneously as they had done for her niece.
The duchess carried a large wooden basket filled to overflowing with exquisite roses.

Every bloom was perfect, and each had been cut at exactly the right moment..