Page 294 - Oliver Twist

failing that, there was rare cricket-playing, sometimes, on the green; or,
failing that, there was always something to do in the garden, or about the

plants, to which Oliver (who had studied this science also, under the same
master, who was a gardener by trade,) applied himself with hearty

good-will, until Miss Rose made her appearance: when there were a
thousand commendations to be bestowed on all he had done.

So three months glided away; three months which, in the life of the most
blessed and favoured of mortals, might have been unmingled happiness,

and which, in Oliver’s were true felicity. With the purest and most amiable
generosity on one side; and the truest, warmest, soul-felt gratitude on the
other; it is no wonder that, by the end of that short time, Oliver Twist had

become completely domesticated with the old lady and her niece, and that
the fervent attachment of his young and sensitive heart, was repaid by their

pride in, and attachment to, himself.

CHAPTER XXXIII

WHERETN THE HAPPTNESS OF OLTVER AND HTS FRTENDS,
EXPERTENCES A SUDDEN CHECK

Spring flew swiftly by, and summer came. Tf the village had been beautiful
at first it was now in the full glow and luxuriance of its richness. The great

trees, which had looked shrunken and bare in the earlier months, had now
burst into strong life and health; and stretching forth their green arms over

the thirsty ground, converted open and naked spots into choice nooks,
where was a deep and pleasant shade from which to look upon the wide
prospect, steeped in sunshine, which lay stretched beyond. The earth had

donned her mantle of brightest green; and shed her richest perfumes abroad.
Tt was the prime and vigour of the year; all things were glad and

flourishing.