He was in doubt whether he should inform Eugene Hautville of his sister's whereabouts or not.
Finally he spoke to the mare, and continued on his way to Kingston.
The terraces which Madelon mounted were all covered with the gathering snow.

When she reached the last the door was opened, and Burr Gordon's mother, Elvira, stood there.

"I am sorry there's so much snow for you to wade through," said she, in a sweet, quiet voice.
"I don't mind it, thank you," replied Madelon, harshly.

She felt incensed with this mother of Burr's, who came to the door and greeted her as if she were an ordinary caller, and her son were not in prison.
"You had better shake it off your skirts or you'll take cold," said Mrs.Gordon.
"I am not afraid," returned Madelon.

She gave her skirts a careless flirt and entered the door with the snow still clinging to her.
"If you will wait a moment," said Mrs.Gordon, "I will get a broom and brush the snow from you before it melts.