CHAPTER III.
IN THE GAY AND GOLDEN WEATHER Spring came early and with the first marsh hawk Brian was on the road, his eager youth crying out to the spring's hope and laughter.
Everywhere he caught the thrill of it.

Brooks released from an armor of ice went singing by him.

Hill and meadow deepened verdantly into smiles.

A little while now and the whole green earth in its tenderness would dimple exquisitely, with every dimple a flower.

Mother Earth, moistening the bare brown fields for the plough with a capricious tear or so for the banished winter, was beginning again.