They look so dull and dowdy in the spring weather, when the snow
drops and the crocuses are putting on their dainty frocks of white and
mauve and yellow, and the baby-buds from every branch are peeping with
bright eyes out on the world, and stretching forth soft little leaves toward
the coming gladness of their lives. They stand apart, so cold and hard
amid the stirring hope and joy that are throbbing all around them.
And in the deep full summer-time, when all the rest of nature dons its
richest garb of green, and the roses clamber round the porch, and the grass
waves waist-high in the meadow, and the fields are gay with flowers--they
seem duller and dowdier than ever then, wearing their faded winter\'s dress,
looking so dingy and old and worn..........