This night was one of those under the old regime.

It was a delight to look out, for the scene was perfect of its own kind.

The long spell of rain--the ceaseless downpour which had for the time flooded everywhere--had passed, and water in abnormal places rather trickled than ran.

We were now beginning to be in the sloppy rather than the deluged stage.

There was plenty of light to see by, for the moon had begun to show out fitfully through the masses of flying clouds.