noon
One Sunday , the first snow had fallen in large flakes , and as there had been no wind it had covered all things pretty evenly -- it had laden the trees , many of which had not as yet shed their leaves . Mehetabel had not gone to church because of this snow ; and Jonas had been detained at home for the same reason , though not from church . If he had gone anywhere it would have been to look for holly trees full of berries which he might cut for the Christmas sale of evergreens . Towards noon the sun suddenly broke out and revealed a world of marvellous beauty . Every bush and tree twinkled , and as the rays melted the snow the boughs stooped and shed their burdens in shining avalanches . Blackbirds were hopping in the snow , and the track of hares was distinguishable everywhere . As the sun burst in at the little window it illumined the beautiful face of Mehetabel and showed the delicate rose in her cheeks , and shone in her rich dark hair , bringing out a chestnut glow not usually visible in it .