Page:Under the greenwood tree (1872 Volume 1).pdf/19

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MELLSTOCK-LANE.
5

The copsewood forming the sides of the bower interlaced its branches so densely, even at this season of the year, that the draught from the north-east flew along the channel with scarcely an interruption from lateral breezes.

At the termination of the wood, the white surface of the lane revealed itself between the dark hedgerows, like a ribbon jagged at the edges; the irregularity of leaves extending from the ditch on either side.

The song (many times interrupted by flitting thoughts which took the place of several bars, and resumed at a point it would have reached had its continuity been unbroken) now received a more palpable check, in the shape of 'Ho-i-i-i-i-i!' from the dark part of the lane in the rear of the singer, who had just emerged from the trees.

'Ho-i-i-i-i-i!' he answered with uncon-

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