Rachel's proud, tender heart struggled, and then gave way before this radiant first love blossoming in the midst of her loneliness.

At last, on a March afternoon, when the low sun caught the daffodils he had brought her, he told her he loved her.
Days followed, exquisite days, which have none like them in later life whatever later life may bring.

That year the spring came early, and they went often together into the country.

And that year when all the world was white with blossom the snow came and laid upon earth's bridal veil a white shroud.

Every cup of May blossom, every petal of hawthorn, bent beneath its burden of snow.