daylight of the winter noon
Now the hall , that had used to look so wide and chilly with its grim ornaments of busts of authors , was decorated with flowers from the hothouse , and cheered by a blazing fire . A soft murmur of prosperity was heard throughout the house , as if Luxury were gliding about in her velvet slippers , giving orders in her modulated voice , and breathing her perfumed breath into all the corners . The presence of life had wrought upon the handsome sticks and stones that furnished the rooms , and transformed them into household gods . Firelight twinkled in all the chambers , bringing out the lustre of coloured glass and costly hangings into the sallow daylight of the winter noon . I do not know how it was that on the day of my arrival at the Hall I made my appearance at an earlier hour than they expected me . I learned afterwards , by chance , that they had not looked for me till the dinner hour , whilst I understood that it was desired of me to present myself early in the day , so that Rachel and I might have some quiet hours during which to renew our acquaintance before we should be called upon to mix among the company now staying at the Hall . Good Mrs. Hill was one of those people whose manner would make you believe that if you deny them the thing they desire at your hands , you will undoubtedly destroy their peace , but who will probably have forgotten their request and its motive whilst you are yet pondering it , and forcing your own will that it may be complied with .