2. THE THIRD OF MAYShe led Cytherea to a summer-house called the Fane, built in the
private grounds about the mansion in the form of a Grecian temple;
it overlooked the lake, the island on it, the trees, and their
undisturbed reflection in the smooth still water. Here the old and
young maid halted; here they stood, side by side, mentally imbibing
the scene.
The month was May—the time, morning. Cuckoos, thrushes,
blackbirds, and sparrows gave forth a perfect confusion of song and
twitter. The road was spotted white with the fallen leaves of
apple-blossoms, and the sparkling grey dew still lingered on the
grass and flowers. Two swans floated into view in front of the
women, and then crossed the water towards them.
'They seem to come to us without any will of their own—quite
invo
