A Brief History of the General and the Floral Tribe

A trait of native elegance seldom seen in the masculine character after childhood or early youth, was shown in the general's fondness for the sight and fragrance of flowers. A ray of humour now and then would make its way through the veil of dim obstruction and glimmer pleasantly upon our faces. He seemed away from us, although we saw him but a few yards off - remote though we passed close beside his chair. It might be that he lived a more real life within his thoughts than amid the unappropriate environment of the collector's office.