The opposite slopes glassed themselves in the deep dark water--Swarth Fell, Hallin Fell, Place Fell--one after the other; above the southern bend of the lake rose noble summits, softly touched with mist which the sun was fast dispelling.

The sweetness of summer was in the air.

So quiet was it that every wing-rustle in the brake, every whisper of leaf to leaf, made a distinct small voice; a sheep-dog barking over at Howtown seemed close at hand.
This morning Annabel had no inclination to read, yet her face was not expressive of the calm reflection which was her habit.

She opened the book upon her lap and glanced down a page or two, but without interest.
At length external things were wholly lost to her, and she gazed across the water with continuance of solemn vision.

Her face was almost austere in this mood which had come upon her.
Someone was descending the path which led from the high road; it was a step too heavy for Paula's, too rapid to be Mr.Newthorpe's.