That enclosed space, with the high palings and the vines all over it, to the north of your house, I think you said that was a little walled orchard where Standish is experimenting on some 'ideal' orange, and that he is so jealous of the secret process that he won't even let you set foot in it.

The funny part of it is:--" He stopped short.

Claire had been walking a few yards in advance, and they had come out on the widest part of the trail, about midway through the woods.

To one side of the beaten path was a tiny clearing.

This clearing was strewn thick with a tangle of fallen undergrowth, scarce two feet high at most.
And they reached it, the girl gave a little cry of fright and stepped back, her hands reaching blindly toward Gavin, as if for support or comfort.