For one thing, I had now my shoulder to the wind; for a second, I came in the lee of my old prison-house, the Castle; and, at any rate, the excessive fury of the blast was itself moderating.

The thought of what errand I was on re-awoke within me, and I seemed to breast the rough weather with increasing ease.

With such a destination, what mattered a little buffeting of wind or a sprinkle of cold water?
I recalled Flora's image, I took her in fancy to my arms, and my heart throbbed.

And the next moment I had recognised the inanity of that fool's paradise.

If I could spy her taper as she went to bed, I might count myself lucky.
I had about two leagues before me of a road mostly uphill, and now deep in mire.