the midday sun
It was not until after he had gone that she was taken with a slight nervousness and giddiness , and retraced her steps somewhat hurriedly , shying a little at every rustle in the thicket . By the time she had reached the great gateway she was doubtful whether to be pleased or frightened at the incident , but she concluded to keep it to herself . It was still intensely cold . The light of the midday sun had decreased still more , and on reaching the plateau again she saw that a dark cloud , not unlike the precursor of a thunder-storm , was brooding over the snowy peaks beyond . In spite of the cold this singular suggestion of summer phenomena was still borne out by the distant smiling valley , and even in the soft grasses at her feet . It seemed to her the crowning inconsistency of the climate , and with a half-serious , half-playful protest on her lips she hurried forward to seek the shelter of the house . To Kate 's surprise , the lower part of the house was deserted , but there was an unusual activity on the floor above , and the sound of heavy steps .