midnight
It was full high moon , and the light so clear that , notwithstanding the brightness of the fire , each window seemed to lie in ghostly shimmer on the floor . Not a breath of wind was abroad . The whole country being covered with snow , the air was filled with a snowy light . On one side rose the high roof of another part of the house , on which the snow was lying thick and smooth , undisturbed save by the footprints , visible in the moon , of a large black cat , which had now paused in the middle of it , and was looking round suspiciously towards the source of the light which had surprised him in his midnight walk . `` Now , '' said Harry , returning to his seat , and putting on an air of confidence to conceal the lack of it , `` let any one who has nerves retire at once , both for his own sake and that of the company ! This is just such a night as I wanted to read my story in -- snow -- stillness -- moonlight outside , and nothing but firelight inside . Mind , Ralph , you keep up the fire , for the room will be more ready to get cold now the coverings are off the windows .