I was passing the poplar at the end of the valley, and I determined
to give it you on the first occasion.

Dunsford. I hope, Ellesmere, you do not intend to put sarcastic
notions into the sap of our trees hereabouts. There's enough of
sarcasm in you to season a whole forest.

Ellesmere. Dunsford is afraid of what the trees may say to the
country gentlemen, and whether they will be able to answer them. I
will be careful not to make the trees too clever.

Milverton. Let us go and try if we can hear any more forest talk.
The winds, shaped into voices by the leaves, say many things to us
at all times.



CHAPTER IV.



In the course of our walk Milverton promised to read the following
essay on Recreation the next day. I have no note of anything that
was said before the reading.


RECREATION.

This subject has not had the thought it merits. It seems trivial.
It concerns some hours in the daily life of each of us; but it is