The inanimate, as well as the animate
world had known the various touch of his great passing. His trail had
blazed the entire earth about them. For the very clouds were dipped in
snow and gold, and the meanest pebble in the lane wore a self-
conscious gleam of shining silver. So-called domestic creatures also
seemed aware that a stupendous hiding-place was somewhere near--the
browsing cow, contented and at ease, the horse that nuzzled their
hands across the gate, the very pigs, grubbing eternally for food, yet
eternally unsatisfied; all these, this endless morning, wore an
unaccustomed look as though they knew, and so were glad to be alive.
Some knew more than others, of course. The cat, for instance,
defending its kittens single-pawed against the stable-dog who
pretended to be ferocious; the busy father-blackbird, passing worms to
his mate for the featherless mites, all beak and clamour in the nest;
the Clouded Yellow, sharing a spray of honeysuckle with a Bumble-bee,
and the honeysuckle offering no resistance--one and all, they also
were aware in their differing degrees. And the seekers, noting the
signs, grew warmer and ever warmer.
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