And the old man grew to love his morning hour in the woods with the
hoop.
He sometimes thought he might be discovered, and ridiculed—and this
aroused him to a keen sense of shame. This shame resembled fear; he
would grow numb, and his knees would give way under him. He would look
round him with fright and timidity.
But no—there was no one to be seen, or to be heard....
And having diverted himself to his heart’s content he would return to
the city, smiling gently and joyously.