In the middle of the rectangular-shaped courtyard stood three magnolia trees, all in full bloom. A little girl was hopping among them, now gazing at a bud, now collecting fallen petals. Under one of the trees stood her parents, who, while keeping an eye on her, were examining the milk-white blossoms with great interest and admiration. In front of another tree a young couple, fresh and bright as the flowers, was posing for a picture. At one end of the courtyard, a group of youngsters had gathered behind an artist painting a flouring limb, which looked so charming and real that a boy stooped to sniff at a half-open flower. At the opposite end, a few elderly men and women stood admiring the leafless flowering trees and the people looking at them.