It was sharp-cut to the horizon; only the varying color that changed from soft blue to white and yellow in the foreground helped the eye to gage its vast extent.

The snow had bleached the grass, which glittered like silver in the strong sunlight.
A boisterous wind from the North-west drove white-edged clouds across the sky, but the air was soft with a genial warmth that drew earthy smells from the drying sod.

In places, an emerald flush had begun to spread across the withered grass and small flowers like crocuses were pushing through.

The freshness and hint of returning life reacted on Charnock, and stirred his blood when he glanced at his companion.

He felt her physical allurement as he had not felt it before, but now and then he resolutely looked away.