Merthin's orchard had been planted in the spring of 1349. A year later most of the trees were established, and came o ut in a scatter of brave leaves. Two or three were struggling, and only one was inarguablv dead. He did not expect any of them to bear fruit yet but, by July, to his surprise, one precocious sapling had a dozen or so tiny dark-green pears, small as yet and as hard as stones, but promising ripeness in the autumn.

One Sunday afternoon he showed them to Lolla, who refused to believe that they would grow into the tangy, juicy fruits she loved. She thought -- or pretended to think -- that he was playing one of his teasing games.

…

…

…

 

>> 网页版功能未完善，完整内容，请扫码微信小程序。