noon
The hills and valleys were still white . It had been a long , cold winter , and spring was still far off -- February had only just begun . Lady Maulevrier 's couch had been wheeled into the morning-room -- that luxurious room which was furnished with all things needful to her quiet life , her books , her favourite colours , her favourite flowers , every detail studiously arranged for her pleasure and comfort . She was wheeled into this room every day at noon . When the day was bright and sunny her couch was placed near the window : and when the day was dull and grey the couch was drawn close to the low hearth , which flashed and glittered with brightly coloured tiles and artistic brass . To-day the sky was dull , and the velvet couch stood beside the hearth . Halcott sat at work in the adjoining bed-chamber , and came in every now and then to replenish the fire : a footman was always on duty in the corridor .