midday
These slate-colored clouds , edged with pallid light , foredoomed the continuance of the peaceful summer afternoon . Not a breath of air stirred on the near side of the river . The huge old elms shading the Red Mill and the farmhouse connected with it belonging to Mr. Jabez Potter , the miller , were like painted trees , so still were they . The brooding heat of midday , however , had presaged the coming storm , and it had been prepared for at mill and farmhouse . The tempest was due soon . The backyard of the farmhouse -- a beautiful lawn of short grass -- sloped down to the river . On the bank and over the stream itself was set a summer-house of fair proportions , covered with vines -- a cool and shady retreat on the very hottest day of midsummer .