It must be admitted that Holcroft's enjoyment of spring was not very far
removed from that of the stock in his barnyard. All the animal creation
rejoices in the returning sun and warmth. A subtle, powerful influence sets
the blood in more rapid motion, kindles new desires, and awakens a glad
expectancy. All that is alive becomes more thoroughly alive and existence in
itself is a pleasure. Spring had always brought to the farmer quickened
pulses, renewed activity and hopefulness, and he was pleased to find that he
was not so old and cast down that its former influence had spent itself.
Indeed, it seemed that never before had his fields, his stock, and outdoor
work--and these comprised Nature to him--been so attractive. They remained
unchanged amid the sad changes which had clouded his life, and his heart clung
more tenaciously than ever to old scenes and occupations. They might not
bring him happiness again, but he instinctively felt that they might insure a
comfort and peace with which he could be content.

At last he went to the barn and began his work, doing everything slowly, and
getting all the solace he could from the tasks. The horses whinnied their
welcome and he rubbed their noses caressingly as he fed them. The cows came
briskly to the rack in which he foddered them in pleasant weather, and when he
scratched them between the horns they turned their mild, Juno-like eyes upon
him with undisguised affection. The chickens, clamoring for their breakfast,
followed so closely that he had to be careful where he stepped. Although he
knew that all this good will was based chiefly on the hope of food and the
remembrance of it in the past, nevertheless it soothed and pleased him. He
was in sympathy with this homely life; it belonged to him and was dependent on
him; it made him honest returns for his care. Moreover, it was agreeably
linked with the past. There were quiet cows which his wife had milked,
clucking biddies which she had lifted from nests with their downy broods. He
looked at them wistfully, and was wondering if they ever missed the presence
that he regretted so deeply, when he became conscious that Jane's eyes were