Randal was eating with such an appetite that he did not see the glances the girls exchanged as they promised to go . `` Bring home some more winter-green , I want things to be real nice , and we have n't enough for the kitchen , '' said Ruth , dimpling with girlish delight as she imagined herself dancing under the green garlands in her grandmother 's wedding gown . It was very lovely on the hill , for far as the eye could reach lay the wintry landscape sparkling with the brief beauty of sunshine on virgin snow . Pines sighed overhead , hardy birds flitted to and fro , and in all the trodden spots rose the little spires of evergreen ready for its Christmas duty . Deeper in the wood sounded the measured ring of axes , the crash of falling trees , while the red shirts of the men added color to the scene , and a fresh wind brought the aromatic breath of newly cloven hemlock and pine . `` How beautiful it is ! I never knew before what winter woods were like . Did you , Sophie ? '' asked Emily , sitting on a stump to enjoy the novel pleasure at her ease . `` I 've found out lately ; Saul lets me come as often as I like , and this fine air seems to make a new creature of me , '' answered Sophie , looking about her with sparkling eyes , as if this was a kingdom where she reigned supreme . `` Something is making a new creature of you , that is very evident . I have n't yet discovered whether it is the air or some magic herb among that green stuff you are gathering so diligently ; '' and Emily laughed to see the color deepen beautifully in her friend 's half-averted face . `` Scarlet is the only wear just now , I find . If we are lost like babes in the woods there are plenty of redbreasts to cover us with leaves , '' and Randal joined Emily 's laugh , with a glance at Saul , who had just pulled his coat off . `` You wanted to see this tree go down , so stand from under and I 'll show you how it 's done , '' said the farmer , taking up his axe , not unwilling to gratify his guests and display his manly accomplishments at the same time . It was a fine sight , the stalwart man swinging his axe with magnificent strength and skill , each blow sending a thrill through the stately tree , till its heart was reached and it tottered to its fall . Never pausing for breath Saul shook his yellow mane out of his eyes , and hewed away , while the drops stood on his forehead and his arm ached , as bent on distinguishing himself as if he had been a knight tilting against his rival for his lady 's favor . `` I do n't know which to admire most , the man or his muscle . One does n't often see such vigor , size and comeliness in these degenerate days , '' said Randal , mentally booking the fine figure in the red shirt . `` I think we have discovered a rough diamond .
I only wonder if Sophie is going to try and polish it , '' answered XXXXX , glancing at her friend , who stood a little apart , watching the rise and fall of the axe as intently as if her fate depended on it .
Emily Saul Sophie comeliness days fro garlands hemlock mane winter-green