The clouds parted majestically, and then, between great curtains of mist, the day-star was seen shining in the east.
The night was hushed, and the peace that falls before dawn was upon the wet, flat lands.

Somewhere in the sodden grass a swamped cricket chirped.

From an outlying flange of the village a dog's howl rose mournfully; was answered by another, far away, and by another and another.

The sonorous chorus rose above the village, died away, and quiet fell again.
Helen sat by the window, no comfort touching her heart.

Tears coursed her cheeks no longer, but her eyes were wide and staring, and her lips parted, for the hush was broken by the far clamor of the court-house bell ringing in the night.