an hour after midnight
A pale-green hue remained where the sun had disappeared , and a deep-red glow was even now beginning to kindle where he was soon to rise . Just here , Hund 's ear caught some tones of the soft harp music which the winds make in their passage through a wood of pines ; and there was a fragrance in the air from a new thatch of birch-bark just laid upon a neighbouring roof . This fragrance , that faint vibrating music , and the soft veiled light were soothing ; and when , besides , Hund pictured to himself his mind relieved by a confession to the good bishop -- perhaps cheered by words of pardon and of promise , the tears burst from his eyes , and the fever of his spirit was allayed . Then up came the sun again , and the new thatch reeked in his beams , and the birds shook off sleep , and plumed themselves , and the peak of Sulitelma blushed with the softest rose-colour , and the silvery fish leaped out of the water , and the blossoms in the gardens opened , though it was only an hour after midnight . Every creature except man seemed eager to make the most of the short summer season , -- to waste none of its bright hours , which would be gone too soon ; -- every creature except man ; but man must have rest , be the sun high or sunk beneath the horizon : so that Hund saw no face , and heard no human voice , before he found himself standing at the top of the steep rocky pathway , which led down to Erlingsen 's abode . Hund might have known that he should find everything in a different state from that in which he had left the place ; but yet he was rather surprised at the aspect of the farm . The stable-doors stood wide ; and there was no trace of milk-pails .