The chestnuts where out at the Park fully
a week before their time, and already through the great waxy buds the
colour of the coming rhododendrons was to be seen in sheltered corners
of the Park. London put out its window boxes, and remembered that it
had, after all, for two short months a place amongst the beautiful
cities of the world. 'Bus conductors begun to whistle, and hansom cab
drivers to wear a bunch of primroses in their coats. Kingston Brooks,
who had just left his doctor, turned into the Park and mingled idly with
the throng of people.
For the first time for many months he suffered his thoughts to travel
over a wider range than usual. The doctor's words had been sharp and to
the point. He must have instant change--change, if not of scene, at
least of occupation. Scarcely to be wondered at, Brooks thought to
himself, with a faint smile, when he thought of the last twelve months,
full to the brim of strenuous labour, of ceaseless striving within a
herculean task. Well, he was in smoother waters now. He might
withdraw his hand for a while, if necessary.
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