I always entertained a dread of thunder, and now recoiled, overborne with terror.

Never had I witnessed so luminous a gleam and so tremendous a shock, yet my father's slumber appeared not to be disturbed by it.
I stood irresolute and trembling; to prosecute my purpose in this state of mind was impossible.

I resolved for the present to relinquish it, and turned with a view of exploring my way out of the chamber.

Just then a light seen through the window, caught my eye.

It was at first weak but speedily increased; no second thought was necessary to inform me that the barn, situated at a small distance from the house, and newly stored with hay, was in flames, in consequence of being struck by the lightning.
My terror at this spectacle made me careless of all consequences relative to myself.