about midday
The more Phillips studied her and the better acquainted he became with her the larger proportions did she assume . Not only was she completely mistress of herself , but she had a forceful , compelling way with others ; there was a natural air of authority about her , and she managed in some subtle manner to invest herself and her words with importance . She was quite remarkable . Now , the trail breeds its own peculiar intimacy ; although the two talked little , they nevertheless got to know each other quite well , and when they reached the Summit , about midday , Phillips felt a keen regret that their journey was so near its end . A mist was drifting up from the sea ; it obscured the valley below and clung to the peaks like ragged garments . Up and out of this fog came the interminable procession of burden-bearers . The Countess paused to observe them and to survey the accumulation of stores which crowned the watershed .