Not a breath of wind was abroad. The whole country being
covered with snow, the air was filled with a snowy light. On one side rose
the high roof of another part of the house, on which the snow was lying
thick and smooth, undisturbed save by the footprints, visible in the moon,
of a large black cat, which had now paused in the middle of it, and was
looking round suspiciously towards the source of the light which had
surprised him in his midnight walk.
"Now," said Harry, returning to his seat, and putting on an air of
confidence to conceal the lack of it, "let any one who has nerves retire
at once, both for his own sake and that of the company! This is just such
a night as I wanted to read my story in--snow--stillness--moonlight
outside, and nothing but firelight inside. Mind, Ralph, you keep up the
fire, for the room will be more ready to get cold now the coverings are
off the windows.--You will say at once if you feel it cold, Miss
Cathcart?"
Adela promised; and Harry, who had his manuscript gummed together in a
continuous roll, so that he might not have to turn over any leaves, began
at once:
"THE CRUEL PAINTER.
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