Then only he noticed what a top-hole afternoon it was.

It had been raining all the morning, late summer rain, warm, heavy, quick, and now the sky was clear, except for a long tail of little clouds, like duckings, sailing over the forest.

There was just enough wind to shake the last drops off the trees; one warm star splashed on his hand.

Ping!--another drummed on his hat.

The empty road gleamed, the hedges smelled of briar, and how big and bright the hollyhocks glowed in the cottage gardens.