Something in the atmosphere which made it almost visible: all the trees seemed to stand in a liquid light--the sunbeams were suspended in the air instead of passing through.

The butterflies even were very idle in the slumberous warmth; and the great green dragon-fly rested on a leaf, his tail arched a little downwards, just as he puts it when he wishes to stop suddenly in his flight.
The broad glittering trigger-guard got quite hot in the sun, and the stock was warm when I felt it every now and then.

The grain of the walnut-wood showed plainly through the light polish: it was not varnished like the stock of the double-barrel they kept padlocked to the rack over the high mantelpiece indoors.

Still you could see the varnish.
It was of a rich dark horse-chestnut colour, and yet so bright and clear that if held close you could see your face in it.

Behind it the grain of the wood was just perceptible; especially at the grip, where hard hands had worn it away somewhat.