Ah! surely there never was, there never could be, such another
morning as this!
Out of the green twilight of the woods a gentle wind was blowing,
laden with the scent of earth and hidden flowers. Dewdrops twinkled
in the grass and hung glistening from every leaf and twig, and
beyond all was the sheen of the murmurous river.
The blackbird was in full song now, and by degrees others joined
in - thrush, and lark, and linnet, with the humbler voices of the
farmyard - until the sunny air was vibrant with the chorus.
Presently a man in a sleeved waistcoat crossed the paddock,
whistling lustily, and from somewhere below there rose a merry
clatter of plates and dishes; and thus the old inn, which had seen
so many mornings, woke up to yet another. But there never was,
there never could be, just such another morning as this was!
And in a little while, having dressed with more than usual care, I
went downstairs to find my breakfast awaiting me in the "Sanded
Parlour," having ordered it for this early hour the night
previously - ham and eggs and fragrant coffee, what mortal could
wish for more?
And while I ate, waited on by the rosy-cheeked chambermaid, in came
Master Amos Baggett, mine host, to pass the time of day, and likewise
to assure me that my baggage should catch the early train; who when
I rose, my meal at an end, paused to wipe his honest hand quite
needlessly upon his snowy apron ere he wished me "Good-bye.
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