The Wall

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“What a dear old wall that is that runs along by the river there! I never pass it without feeling better for the sight of it. Such a mellow, bright, sweet old wall; what a charming picture it would make, with the lichen creeping here, and the moss growing there, a shy young vine peeping over the top at this spot, to see what is going on upon the busy river, and the sober old ivy clustering a little farther down! There are fifty shades and tints and hues in every ten yards of that old wall. . . . It looks so peaceful and so quiet, and it is such a dear old place to ramble round in the early morning before many people are about.” Jerome K. Jerome, “Three Men In A Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)” Ch. 6 (1889)

The Boar-Pig

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“Is there any way out of this garden except through the paddock where the pig is?” 

“I always go over the wall, by way of the plum tree,” said Matilda. 

“Dressed as we are we could hardly do that,” said Mrs. Stossen; it was difficult to imagine her doing it in any costume. “Do you think you could go and get someone who would drive the pig away?” asked Miss Stossen. 

“I promised my aunt I would stay here till five o’clock; it’s not four yet.” 

“I am sure, under the circumstances, your aunt would permit—” 

“My conscience would not permit,” said Matilda with cold dignity. 

“We can’t stay here till five o’clock,” exclaimed Mrs. Stossen with growing exasperation.


The Boar-Pig By Saki (H. H. Munro) (1870–1916) Art by Copilot

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