The lamp on the table was alight, the teacups ready, and a bright fire made the room cosy.

She went to the window and drew aside the curtain.
The snow had ceased, and the sky was clear.

Stars were beginning to pierce the darkness.
Slowly the minutes crawled by.

She began to listen for his coming, to chafe at his delay.

At last, grown nervous with suspense, she turned from the window and went into the hall.