noon
On the whole , however , it was found that the comparatively moderate weather predominated ; and it was rare indeed that all the people did not pursue their avocations and amusements outside , at what was called the middle of the day . And what a meridian it was ! The shortest day had passed some time , when Roswell and Stimson were walking together on the terrace , then , as usual , as clear from snow as if swept by a broom ; but otherwise wearing the aspect of interminable winter , in common with all around it . They were conversing , as had been much their wont of late , and were watching the passage of the sun as he stole along the northern horizon ; even at high noon rising but a very few degrees above it ! `` It has a cold look , sir , but it does give out some heat , '' said Stephen , as he faced the luminary , in one of his turns . `` I can feel a little warmth from it just now , sheltered us we are here under the cliffs , and with a back-ground of naked rock to throw back what reaches us . To me , all these changes in the movements of the sun seem very strange , Captain Gar ` ner ; but I know I 'm ignorant , and that others may well know all about what I do not understand . ''