"You never hinted that that was your ambition," laughed Natalie. "You started out to do a thriving business with eggs and broilers."
"I can do that, too, can't I? But there is nothing to prevent me from trying for a cash prize in some Poultry Show this fall, either," explained Janet.
"If I start a business of any kind, you won't find me neglecting it like that!" bragged Norma.
"Wait until you start one--then talk!" retorted Janet.
"How are your vegetables growing to-night, Nat?" said Belle teasingly. "Almost ready to ship to Washington Market?"
"Instead of laughing at Janet, or my investments, why don't you do something yourselves?" demanded Natalie scornfully.
"We would love to, but what is there left for us to do?" returned Norma.
"Surely you don't think vegetables and stock-raising compose all the industries in the world, do you?" laughed Mrs. James.
"No, not in a city; but on a farm, what else can one do?" asked Belle.
"Well, I always thought there was a wonderful opportunity for some ambitious girl to raise flowers and send in bouquets to the city every morning," suggested Mrs. James.
The other girls were listening attentively, for they had never thought of such a possibility before.
"Mr. Marvin said the flowers he cut back of the house, the day he came up here, brightened his office for many a day. I am convinced that many hard-working business men downtown would lean back in their swivel chairs and smile at a handful of homely country flowers on their desks, if they but had them. Think of the scores of troubled, rushing men in the financial districts of New York, who would stop a minute in their mad race for success to think of their boyhood home, should a rose give forth its perfume on his desk? Think of the peaceful rural picture a few flowers in a glass on the desk might bring to a jaded man who never takes time to dream of his old home."
Mrs. James' words created a vision that was most effective with the girls. After a few moments of silence, Norma said softly: "I'd love to do just that thing, Mrs. James."
"But you haven't any flowers to start with," said Belle.
"Why can't I start some just as Nat did her vegetables, if I go right at it now?" demanded Norma.
"Norma, Mrs. Tompkins promised me some petunia plants, and asters, and sweet-peas, and other slips, if I wanted to use them in the flower gardens. I really didn't want them but I hated to refuse her, as she is so fond of flowers she thinks everyone else must be, also. Now, this is your opportunity!" said Mrs. James.