Even at this hour, a little way off could be heard the "click-click!" of hedge-shears, and Beth noted how neatly the paths were swept, and how carefully every rose on the arbor was protected.
Elmhurst was a beautiful place.

Beth sighed as she wondered if it would ever be hers.

Then she opened her book and began to work.
During the next hour the click of the hedge-shears drew nearer, but the girl did not notice this.

In another half hour James himself came into view, intent upon his monotonous task.

Gradually the motionless form of the girl and the plodding figure of the gardener drew together, until he stood but two yards distant.