Preparations

"Ah!" she sighed. "That day! It was wonderful; I shall never forget
it. We went to bed cold and tired, looking forward to another dark,
depressing morning, and woke in a dazzle of sunlight, to see the
mountains outlined against a blue sky. We ran out into the road, and
held out our hands to the sun, and the wind blew towards us, the soft,
wet, heathery wind, and it tasted like--nectar! We could not go
indoors. We walked about all day, and laughed, and sang. We walked
miles. It seemed as if we could not tire. I--I think we were `fey.'"
She paused again, and the light flickered out, leaving her cold and
prosaic once more. "The rest of the time was most unfortunate. I
contracted a severe chill, and my sister-in-law had rheumatism in her
ankles. Now, my dear, be sure to take good strong boots--"

Margot and Ronald listened politely to all the good advice which was
lavished upon them, but, after the manner of youth, felt convinced that
in their case precautions were needless. It was going to be fine. If
it had been wet in previous years, all the more reason why this coming
summer should be warm and dry. The sun was going to shine; the clouds
were going to roll away; Mr Elgood was going to fall in love with Ron
at first sight, and prove himself all that was wise, and kind, and
helpful. Delightful optimism of youth, which is worth more than all the
wisdom of maturer years!