The air was so dank that the smoke
hung heavy, and crept away amid the bushes without rising from the
ground.
After wistfully regarding Winterborne a while, Melbury drew
nearer, and briefly inquired of Giles how he came to be so busily
engaged, with an undertone of slight surprise that Winterborne
could seem so thriving after being deprived of Grace. Melbury was
not without emotion at the meeting; for Grace's affairs had
divided them, and ended their intimacy of old times.
Winterborne explained just as briefly, without raising his eyes
from his occupation of chopping a bough that he held in front of
him.
"'Twill be up in April before you get it all cleared," said
Melbury.
"Yes, there or thereabouts," said Winterborne, a chop of the
billhook jerking the last word into two pieces.
There was another interval; Melbury still looked on, a chip from
Winterborne's hook occasionally flying against the waistcoat and
legs of his visitor, who took no heed.
"Ah, Giles--you should have been my partner.
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