said the doctor , looking up from his paper . `` Well , I 'll expect you on Monday , remember . '' `` Yes , sir , '' said Bertie happily . He was not likely to forget . As he went out Amy came through the hall with a red sled . `` Here is William John 's present . I 've tied all the other things on so that they ca n't fall off . '' Edith was at the door-with a parcel . `` Here are some nuts and candies for William John , '' she said . `` And tell him we all wish him a ` Happy New Year . ' '' `` Thank you , '' said Bertie . `` I 've had a splendid time . I 'll tell William John . Goodnight . '' He stepped out . It was frostier than ever . The snow crackled and snapped , the stars were keen and bright , but to Bertie , running down the street with William John 's sled thumping merrily behind him , the world was aglow with rosy hope and promise . He was quite sure he could never forget this wonderful New Year . Between the Hill and the Valley It was one of the moist , pleasantly odorous nights of early spring . There was a chill in the evening air , but the grass was growing green in sheltered spots , and Jeffrey Miller had found purple-petalled violets and pink arbutus on the hill that day .
Across a valley filled XXXXX beech and fir , there was a sunset afterglow , creamy yellow and pale red , with a new moon swung above it .
As Between behind for from on than through to with