The door stood half open; she heard the cheery crackling of the newly lighted fire before she entered.

And hearing it, she was aware of a great coldness that clung like a chain, fettering her every movement.
Someone moved as she pushed open the door.

An enormous shadow leaped upon the wall like a fantastic monster of the deep.

She recoiled for a second, then, as if drawn against her will, she entered.
By the ruddy glow of the fire she saw a man's broad-chested figure, she saw the gleam of tawny hair above a thick bull-neck.

He was bending slightly over the fire at her entrance, but, hearing her, he turned.