And every day the good sun warmed and encouraged the earth, drew forth the timid heads of plants and flowers, gave beauty even to the odd corners once more and did his allotted task with a generosity difficult to praise too highly.

And Death paid visits here and there but passed the cottage by.

At the beginning of the second week, Nature, who has no patience with any attempt to refute her laws, especially on the part of those who are young and vigorous, took Joan in hand.

"What is all this, my girl ?" she said, "sitting here with your hands in your lap while everybody and everything is working and making and preparing.

Stir yourself, bustle up, get busy, there's lots to be done in the springtime if the autumn is to bear fruit.