Have you noticed, my dear, how bland and dreamy is the air?
On such an afternoon one is content to be in Virginia, and out of the world.

It is a very land of the Lotophagi,--a lazy clime that Ulysses touched at, my love." The equipage slowly climbed an easy ascent, and as slowly descended to the level again.

The road was narrow, and now and then a wild cherry-tree struck the coach with a white arm, or a grapevine swung through the window a fragrant trailer.

The woods on either hand were pale green and silver gray, save where they were starred with dogwood, or where rose the pink mist of the Judas-tree.

At the foot of the hill the road skirted a mantled pond, choked with broad green leaves and the half-submerged trunks of fallen trees.