The Squire now and then gave quick orders or stood still in thought.

At last he said to the rector, "I want you to go to Grey Pine, call up Mrs.Penhallow and tell her, and then go to bed.

You will like to stay here with me, John ?" "Yes, sir." The Squire walked away as Rivers left them.
"Fine sight, ain't it, Mr.John," said Billy, the one person who enjoyed the fire.
"Yes," said John, absently intent on the red-lighted snow spaces and the gigantic shadows of the thinly timbered verge of the forest as they were and were not.

Then there was a moment of alarm.

An old birch, loosely clad with dry, ragged bark stood near to the house.