Page:An orchard princess (IA orchardprincess00barbiala).pdf/43

 *fects the old-fashioned in flowers as well as in furnishings—fill the little gardens; so that as one travels eastward in summer or early fall along the highway his eyes must seek the right of the road occasionally for very relief from so much color.

This evening it was mild for April. The air was still and soft. Above the meadow slopes three stars gleamed tremblingly like drops of molten silver spattered against a blue canopy. The shadows were long and purple against the rose-gold light which bathed the little valley. The damp of evening brought forth a fragrance from the earth, a subtle Essence of Spring. Down the long road Maple Green was astir. The incipient sidewalk held here and there a moving couple returning from the post-office or bent upon a call. The front porches were