A calm, mild,
and glorious serenity lay upon the earth; the atmosphere was clear and
golden; the light of the sun shot in broad, transparent beams across
the wooded valleys, and poured its radiance upon the forest tops, which
seemed empurpled with its rich and glowing tones. All the usual signs
of change! or rough weather were wanting. Everything was quiet; and a
general stillness was abroad, which, when a sound did occur, caused
it to be heard at an unusual distance. Not a breath of air stirred the
trees, which stood as motionless as if they had been carved of marble.
Notwithstanding all these auspicious appearances, there were visible to
a clear observer of nature some significant symptoms of a change. The
surfaces of pools and rivers were covered with large white bubbles,
which are always considered as indications of coming rain. The dung
heaps, and the pools generally attached to them, emitted a fetid and
offensive smell; and the pigs were seen to carry straw into their sties,
or such rude covers as had been constructed for them.
In the meantime the dinner party in Lindsay's were enjoying themselves
in a spirit quite as genial as his hospitality.
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