summer midnight
He was glad he had conquered , although the pain was still sharp . He felt a better man for it , and , wrapped in this complacent optimism , he passed close by the front of the trader 's store , where Necia had crept to be alone with her misery . The high moon cast a deep , wide shadow upon the store steps where the girl sat huddled , staring out into the unreal world , waiting for the night wind to blow away the fears and forebodings that would not let her sleep . It was late , and the hush of a summer midnight lay upon the distant hills . Burrell had almost passed her when he was startled by the sound of his name breathed softly ; then , to his amazement , he saw her come forth like a spirit into the silver sheen . `` Necia ! '' he cried , `` what are you doing here at this hour ? ''