Outside, the lawn was covered with half-melted snow and the trees raised naked, dripping branches above the drooping shrubs.

Farther back the hedgerows ran somberly across the white fields, and in the distance the hills loomed, desolate and gray, against a leaden sky.
"Ballin says I'd better take it easy for some time yet," Herbert informed his wife.

"In fact, he recommends a trip abroad; Algiers or Egypt, for preference." He indicated the dreary prospect outside the window.

"Though he didn't actually insist on my going, the idea's attractive." "Could you leave your business ?" Mrs.Lansing inquired.
Herbert smiled.
"Yes; I think so.

I was doing pretty well when I got run over, and things have since slackened down.