In Which an Ingenious Method for the Arrangement of Flowerbeds is Demonstrated, with the Full Dignity Appropriate to the Subject

"Do you truly mean that you would refrain from planting, let us say, that exquisitely fine orchid, if its illustration landed facing down or a card dropped later covered it up?"

"Indeed, your lordship, and I will further say that by tending to the gardens for centuries in this manner, I have become entirely convinced of its fitness for the purpose."

"Ah! Such a claim, I feel, must be demonstrated immediately, or gnaw at my mind ceaselessly. Pray, indulge me a moment by allowing me to join in a round."

"I should like nothing better. First, for your lordship's approval, I list a set of rules. Once I explain them to your satisfaction, we shall play."


"Ha! Wake, gardener, for only one fast asleep could have wasted a turn so thoroughly as that!"

"Ah, as to that, my lord... You will, I trust, observe that shy range of green cards, formerly separate, which my card's impact nudged into a connection to the primroses you have, until now, guarded so zealously..."

"By the Orb! The depth of this game astounds me! I confess, I had not expected leitmotivs so lavish to emerge."

"I must thank your lordship for condescending to deliver praise which so sets my mind astir, as sage words often do. And I might be so bold as to praise you in turn, by saying that you acquited yourself skillfully—for one's first time."