* * * * *

February was a month of heavy snows that year; great drifts buried the

fences and remained until well into March. April was April,--and very

much so; but they saw the blue waters of the bay sometimes; and

dogwood and willow stems were already aglow with colour; and a

premature blue-bird sang near Athalie's garden. Crocuses appeared

everywhere with grape hyacinths and snow-drops. Then jonquil and

narcissus opened in all their loveliness, and soft winds stirred the

waters of the fountain.

May found the garden uncovered, with tender amber-tinted shoots and

exquisite fronds of green wherever the lifted mulch disclosed the

earth. Also peonies were up and larkspur, and the ambitious promise of

the hollyhocks delighted Athalie.

Pink peach buds bloomed; cherry, pear, and apple covered the trees

with rosy snow; birds sang everywhere; and the waters of the pool

mirrored a sky of purest blue. But Athalie now walked no further than

the garden seat,--and walked slowly, leaning always on Clive's arm.

In those days throughout May her mother was with her in her room

almost every night. But Athalie did not speak of this to Clive.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024