noon
In this he succeeded very soon . Once well beyond the town , he did not pause to make a choice of roads . He only sought to avoid the coast line , rightly judging that way to lie most open and exposed to the storm , -- moreover the wind swooped in so fiercely from the sea , and the rising waves made such a terrific roaring , that , for the mere sake of greater quietness , he turned aside and followed a path which appeared to lead invitingly into some deep hollow of the hills . There seemed a slight chance of the weather clearing at noon , for though the wind was so high , the clouds were whitening under passing gleams of sunlight , and the scud of rain had passed . As he walked further and further he found himself entering a deep green valley -- a cleft between high hills , -- and though he had no idea which way it led him , he was pleased to have reached a comparatively sheltered spot where the force of the hurricane was not so fiercely felt , and where the angry argument of the sea was deadened by distance . There was a lovely perfume everywhere , -- the dash of rain on the herbs and field flowers had brought out their scent , and the freshness of the stormy atmosphere was bracing and exhilarating . He put Charlie down on the grass , and was amused to see how obediently the tiny creature trotted after him , close at his heels , in the manner of a well-trained , well-taught lady 's favourite .