We went down the lane, by the body of the man in black, sodden now from the overnight hail, and broke into the woods at the foot of the hill. We pushed through these towards the railway without meeting a soul. The woods across the line were but the scarred and blackened ruins of woods; for the most part the trees had fallen, but a certain proportion still stood, dismal grey stems, with dark brown foliage instead of green.
On our side the fire had done no more than scorch the nearer trees; it had failed to secure its footing. In one place the woodmen had been at work on Saturday; trees, felled and freshly trimmed, lay in a clearing, with heaps of sawdust by the sawing-machine and its engine. Hard by was a temporary hut, deserted. There was not a breath of wind this morning, and everything was strangely still. Even the birds were hushed, and as we hurried along I and the artilleryman talked in whispers and looked now and again over our shoulders. Once or twice we stopped to listen.
After a time we drew near the road, and as we did so we heard the clatter of hoofs and saw through the tree stems three cavalry soldiers riding slowly towards Woking. We hailed them, and they halted while we hurried towards them. It was a lieutenant and a couple of privates of the 8th Hussars, with a stand like a theodolite, which the artilleryman told me was a heliograph.
We went down the lane, by the body of the man in black, sodden now from the overnight hail, and broke into the woods at the foot of the hill. We pushed through these towards the railway without meeting a soul. The woods across the line were but the scarred and blackened ruins of woods; for the most part the trees had fallen, but a certain proportion still stood, dismal grey stems, with dark brown foliage instead of green.
On our side the fire had done no more than scorch the nearer trees; it had failed to secure its footing. In one place the woodmen had been at work on Saturday; trees, felled and freshly trimmed, lay in a clearing, with heaps of sawdust by the sawing-machine and its engine. Hard by was a temporary hut, deserted. There was not a breath of wind this morning, and everything was strangely still. Even the birds were hushed, and as we hurried along I and the artilleryman talked in whispers and looked now and again over our shoulders. Once or twice we stopped to listen.
After a time we drew near the road, and as we did so we heard the clatter of hoofs and saw through the tree stems three cavalry soldiers riding slowly towards Woking. We hailed them, and they halted while we hurried towards them. It was a lieutenant and a couple of privates of the 8th Hussars, with a stand like a theodolite, which the artilleryman told me was a heliograph.
4 comments
Alexander Rees
We went down the lane, by the body of the man in black, sodden now from the overnight hail, and broke into the woods at the foot of the hill.
Moseh Gunathas
Sustainable Design: Homeowners are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and sustainable design elements, such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and recycled materials, to reduce their environmental impact.
Flexible and Multi-Functional Spaces: The ongoing trend of remote work and the desire for versatile living spaces have led to a demand for rooms that can easily adapt to different functions, such as home offices that double as guest rooms or exercise spaces.
Biophilic Design: Integrating natural elements into interior design, such as indoor plants, natural textures, and large windows to bring the outdoors inside, has been gaining popularity for its positive effects on well-being.
Warm and Earthy Color Palettes: Earthy tones, warm neutrals, and muted pastels are anticipated to dominate interior color schemes, creating cozy and inviting atmospheres.
Smart Homes and Automation: Continued integration of smart technology, including voice-controlled devices, smart thermostats, and automated lighting systems, is expected to make homes more convenient and efficient.
Wellness-Focused Spaces: Homeowners are prioritizing spaces dedicated to relaxation, meditation, and self-care, such as home spas, saunas, and serene reading nooks.
Curated Vintage and Antiques: Mixing modern elements with carefully curated vintage pieces and antiques can add character and uniqueness to interiors, reflecting a desire for more personalized spaces.
Alexander Rees
We went down the lane, by the body of the man in black, soddenn now from the overnight hail, and broke into the woods at the foot of the hill.
Moseh Gunathas
Sustainable Design: Homeowners are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and sustainable design elements, such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and recycled materials, to reduce their environmental impact.
Flexible and Multi-Functional Spaces: The ongoing trend of remote work and the desire for versatile living spaces have led to a demand for rooms that can easily adapt to different functions, such as home offices that double as guest rooms or exercise spaces.
Biophilic Design: Integrating natural elements into interior design, such as indoor plants, natural textures, and large windows to bring the outdoors inside, has been gaining popularity for its positive effects on well-being.
Warm and Earthy Color Palettes: Earthy tones, warm neutrals, and muted pastels are anticipated to dominate interior color schemes, creating cozy and inviting atmospheres.
Smart Homes and Automation: Continued integration of smart technology, including voice-controlled devices, smart thermostats, and automated lighting systems, is expected to make homes more convenient and efficient.
Wellness-Focused Spaces: Homeowners are prioritizing spaces dedicated to relaxation, meditation, and self-care, such as home spas, saunas, and serene reading nooks.
Curated Vintage and Antiques: Mixing modern elements with carefully curated vintage pieces and antiques can add character and uniqueness to interiors, reflecting a desire for more personalized spaces.