Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/32

 There were a few among the riders and drivers who could appreciate the views which are to be had from different points on the road.

At the bend which marks the boundary between the townships of Newport and Middletown, two riders had drawn rein, and were looking out over the stretches of warmhued meadow-land which lie between the high-road and the waters of the bay.

The bold outline of the hill on the right, and the group of dark green trees on the left of the riders, made a frame for the great life-picture of sea, sky, and meadow, at which they looked half understandingly.

The high rocky island of Conanicut, with the ruined fort of the Dumplings on its summit, lay before them, outlined against pearly gray clouds, the sea of a deeper gray washing softly about its base. A swift-winged boat, with a flock of white sea-gulls wheeling about its bow, came skimming across the picture, and added the charm of motion to the scene.