Ветер в ивах

           Atfirsthehadtakenby-paths,andcrossedmanyfields,andchangedhiscourseseveraltimes,incaseofpursuit;butnow,feelingbythistimesafefromrecapture,andthesunsmilingbrightlyonhim,andallNaturejoininginachorusofapprovaltothesongofself-praisethathisownheartwassingingtohim,healmostdancedalongtheroadinhissatisfactionandconceit.

           "Smartpieceofworkthat!"heremarkedtohimselfchuckling."Brainagainstbruteforce—andbraincameoutonthetop—asit’sboundtodo.PooroldRatty!My!won’thecatchitwhentheBadgergetsback!Aworthyfellow,Ratty,withmanygoodqualities,butverylittleintelligenceandabsolutelynoeducation.Imusttakehiminhandsomeday,andseeifIcanmakesomethingofhim."

           Filledfullofconceitedthoughtssuchasthesehestrodealong,hisheadintheair,tillhereachedalittletown,wherethesignof"TheRedLion,"swingingacrosstheroadhalf-waydownthemainstreet,remindedhimthathehadnotbreakfastedthatday,andthathewasexceedinglyhungryafterhislongwalk.HemarchedintotheInn,orderedthebestluncheonthatcouldbeprovidedatsoshortanotice,andsatdowntoeatitinthecoffee-room.

           Hewasabouthalf-waythroughhismealwhenanonlytoofamiliarsound,approachingdownthestreet,madehimstartandfalla-tremblingallover.