The coarse evergreen color of the small fir trees scattered here and there among the birches was an unpleasant reminder of winter.

On entering the forest the horses began to snort and sweated visibly.

Peter the footman made some remark to the coachman; the latter assented.

But apparently the coachman's sympathy was not enough for Peter, and he turned on the box toward his master.

"How pleasant it is, your excellency!" he said with a respectful smile.