FOOTPATHS. 21 



ing, so much does it nestle under flags and behind 

 sedges, and it is not easy to gather because it flowers 

 on the very verge of the running stream. The shore 

 is bordered with matted vegetation, aquatic grass, and 

 flags and weeds, and outside these, where its leaves 

 are washed and purified by the clear stream, its blue 

 petals open. Be cautious, therefore, in reaching for 

 the forget-me-not, lest the bank be treacherous. 



It was near this copse that in early spring I stayed 

 to gather some white sweet violets, for the true wild 

 violet is very nearly white. I stood close to a hedger 

 and ditcher, who, standing on a board, was cleaning 

 out the mud that the water might run freely. He 

 went on with his work, taking not the least notice of 

 an idler, but intent upon his labour, as a good and 

 true man should be. But when I spoke to him he 

 answered me in clear, well chosen language, well 

 pronounced, " in good set terms." 



No slurring of consonants and broadening of vowels, 

 no involved and backward construction depending on 

 the listener's previous knowledge for comprehension, 

 no half sentences indicating rather than explaining, 

 but correct sentences. With his shoes almost covered 

 by the muddy water, his hands black and grimy, his 

 brown face splashed with mud, leaning on his shovel 

 he stood and talked from the deep ditch, not much 

 more than head and shoulders visible above it. It 

 seemed a voice from the very earth, speaking of 

 education, change, and possibilities. 



The copse is now filling up with undergrowth ; the 

 brambles are spreading, the briars extending, masses 

 of nettles, and thistles like saplings in size and 



