76 Make-Beheve

During the night just overpast the wind
had gone into the West, and the wonder-
working breath of the great sea had
loosened the earth and set drops of
jewelled water instead of hoarfrost on
the bare branches of trees and_ shrubs.
The blue sky overhead was dappled with
light clouds, and underfoot the roads were
wet and shining. The sea was purple in
the distance, tinted like chrysoprase along
the shores; and, because of the wind that
broke the waters, the bay looked big and
splendid. You might have fancied the
warm wind had brought a million. little
birds from over the sea: so many were the
singers in a world which had been dumb
while the frost lay on it.

Now, the Visitor could not but feel in
some degree the magic of the morning.
He, too, awoke in his bed and wondered,
like the others, what was the delightful
arrangement for whose fulfilment he must
be up and abroad immediately. For a little
time the wonder lasted, and with it the