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
Moseh Gunathas
Biophilic Design: The integration of natural elements into interior spaces, such as indoor plants, natural materials, and organic shapes, has been on the rise. In 2023, we might have seen an even stronger emphasis on bringing nature indoors to create calming and rejuvenating environments.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design: As environmental consciousness grows, interior design in 2023 could have been marked by an increased use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, and designs that minimize waste and promote recycling.
Flexibility and Multifunctionality: With the continued trend of remote work and adaptable living spaces, interior designs could have focused on creating multifunctional areas that easily transition between work, relaxation, and socializing.
Technology Integration: Smart homes and integrated technology might have become even more prevalent, with designs featuring seamless integration of smart devices and home automation systems for convenience and efficiency.
Maximalism and Bold Colors: While minimalism has dominated design trends for some time, 2023 might have seen a shift toward maximalism, characterized by vibrant colors, rich textures, and a mix of patterns and styles.
Cultural Fusion: A blend of various cultural elements in interior design, such as traditional patterns, textures, and decor from around the world, could have been an inspiring trend in 2023, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Artisanal and Handcrafted Pieces: The appreciation for unique, handcrafted items could have continued to influence interior design, with a focus on supporting local artisans and incorporating one-of-a-kind pieces into spaces.
Wellness-Oriented Spaces: Designing interiors that promote mental and physical well-being might have remained a significant trend. This could include features like meditation corners, home gyms, and soothing color palettes.
Texture Play: Experimentation with textures, including using a variety of materials such as rattan, velvet, and metallic finishes, could have added depth and visual interest to interior spaces.
Vintage and Retro Revival: Nostalgia for past decades might have inspired interior designs that incorporate vintage furniture, retro color schemes, and classic design elements with a modern twist.
Moseh Gunathas
Biophilic Design: The integration of natural elements into interior spaces, such as indoor plants, natural materials, and organic shapes, has been on the rise. In 2023, we might have seen an even stronger emphasis on bringing nature indoors to create calming and rejuvenating environments.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design: As environmental consciousness grows, interior design in 2023 could have been marked by an increased use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, and designs that minimize waste and promote recycling.
Flexibility and Multifunctionality: With the continued trend of remote work and adaptable living spaces, interior designs could have focused on creating multifunctional areas that easily transition between work, relaxation, and socializing.
Technology Integration: Smart homes and integrated technology might have become even more prevalent, with designs featuring seamless integration of smart devices and home automation systems for convenience and efficiency.
Maximalism and Bold Colors: While minimalism has dominated design trends for some time, 2023 might have seen a shift toward maximalism, characterized by vibrant colors, rich textures, and a mix of patterns and styles.
Cultural Fusion: A blend of various cultural elements in interior design, such as traditional patterns, textures, and decor from around the world, could have been an inspiring trend in 2023, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Artisanal and Handcrafted Pieces: The appreciation for unique, handcrafted items could have continued to influence interior design, with a focus on supporting local artisans and incorporating one-of-a-kind pieces into spaces.
Wellness-Oriented Spaces: Designing interiors that promote mental and physical well-being might have remained a significant trend. This could include features like meditation corners, home gyms, and soothing color palettes.
Texture Play: Experimentation with textures, including using a variety of materials such as rattan, velvet, and metallic finishes, could have added depth and visual interest to interior spaces.
Vintage and Retro Revival: Nostalgia for past decades might have inspired interior designs that incorporate vintage furniture, retro color schemes, and classic design elements with a modern twist.
Moseh Gunathas
Biophilic Design: The integration of natural elements into interior spaces, such as indoor plants, natural materials, and organic shapes, has been on the rise. In 2023, we might have seen an even stronger emphasis on bringing nature indoors to create calming and rejuvenating environments.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design: As environmental consciousness grows, interior design in 2023 could have been marked by an increased use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, and designs that minimize waste and promote recycling.
Flexibility and Multifunctionality: With the continued trend of remote work and adaptable living spaces, interior designs could have focused on creating multifunctional areas that easily transition between work, relaxation, and socializing.
Technology Integration: Smart homes and integrated technology might have become even more prevalent, with designs featuring seamless integration of smart devices and home automation systems for convenience and efficiency.
Maximalism and Bold Colors: While minimalism has dominated design trends for some time, 2023 might have seen a shift toward maximalism, characterized by vibrant colors, rich textures, and a mix of patterns and styles.
Cultural Fusion: A blend of various cultural elements in interior design, such as traditional patterns, textures, and decor from around the world, could have been an inspiring trend in 2023, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Artisanal and Handcrafted Pieces: The appreciation for unique, handcrafted items could have continued to influence interior design, with a focus on supporting local artisans and incorporating one-of-a-kind pieces into spaces.
Wellness-Oriented Spaces: Designing interiors that promote mental and physical well-being might have remained a significant trend. This could include features like meditation corners, home gyms, and soothing color palettes.
Texture Play: Experimentation with textures, including using a variety of materials such as rattan, velvet, and metallic finishes, could have added depth and visual interest to interior spaces.
Vintage and Retro Revival: Nostalgia for past decades might have inspired interior designs that incorporate vintage furniture, retro color schemes, and classic design elements with a modern twist.
Moseh Gunathas
Biophilic Design: The integration of natural elements into interior spaces, such as indoor plants, natural materials, and organic shapes, has been on the rise. In 2023, we might have seen an even stronger emphasis on bringing nature indoors to create calming and rejuvenating environments.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design: As environmental consciousness grows, interior design in 2023 could have been marked by an increased use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, and designs that minimize waste and promote recycling.
Flexibility and Multifunctionality: With the continued trend of remote work and adaptable living spaces, interior designs could have focused on creating multifunctional areas that easily transition between work, relaxation, and socializing.
Technology Integration: Smart homes and integrated technology might have become even more prevalent, with designs featuring seamless integration of smart devices and home automation systems for convenience and efficiency.
Maximalism and Bold Colors: While minimalism has dominated design trends for some time, 2023 might have seen a shift toward maximalism, characterized by vibrant colors, rich textures, and a mix of patterns and styles.
Cultural Fusion: A blend of various cultural elements in interior design, such as traditional patterns, textures, and decor from around the world, could have been an inspiring trend in 2023, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Artisanal and Handcrafted Pieces: The appreciation for unique, handcrafted items could have continued to influence interior design, with a focus on supporting local artisans and incorporating one-of-a-kind pieces into spaces.
Wellness-Oriented Spaces: Designing interiors that promote mental and physical well-being might have remained a significant trend. This could include features like meditation corners, home gyms, and soothing color palettes.
Texture Play: Experimentation with textures, including using a variety of materials such as rattan, velvet, and metallic finishes, could have added depth and visual interest to interior spaces.
Vintage and Retro Revival: Nostalgia for past decades might have inspired interior designs that incorporate vintage furniture, retro color schemes, and classic design elements with a modern twist.