It measures twenty-four inches across the wings, petals I think he called them, and about a foot across the back part." "Twenty-four inches across the petals and a foot across the dorsal sepal!" said the young man in a kind of gasp, "and a Cypripedium! Sir, surely you are joking ?" "Sir," I answered indignantly, "I am doing nothing of the sort.

Your remark is tantamount to telling me that I am speaking a falsehood.

But, of course, for all I know, the thing may be some other kind of flower." "Let me see it.

In the name of the goddess Flora let me see it!" I began to undo the case.

Indeed it was already half-open when two other gentlemen, who had either overheard some of our conversation or noted my companion's excited look, edged up to us.