His hands look soft--for a gardener's, she thought.

And his manners seem much too good for one-- Still-- "Come in," she said briskly.

The young man advanced another two steps.
"You're the man my niece engaged in the city this afternoon ?" "Yes, madam." He seemed a little uneasy under her searching scrutiny.
She dropped her eyes.
"I could not verify your references as the Brays are in Canada--" she proceeded.
The young man took an eager step forward.

"I am sure if Mrs.Bray were here--" he began, then flushed and stopped, twisting his cap.
"Were here ?" said Miss Cornelia in a curious voice.

"Are you a professional gardener ?" "Yes." The young man's manner had grown a trifle defiant but Miss Cornelia's next question followed remorselessly.
"Know anything about hardy perennials ?" she said in a soothing voice, while Lizzie regarded the interview with wondering eyes.
"Oh.