Dead, withered bracken lay in patches of unsightly grey.

They went down on to the cliff together and stood awhile in a speechless constraint among the withered bracken.

But there was not the slightest dustiness, nothing less pure than leaves, and ripe pollen, and flecks of withered bracken and moss.

'Do not lower yourself too much, dearest,' pleaded Bessie hugging her friend's arm affectionately, as they tramped across the withered bracken.'