The farm-yard was full of the light of a summer noontide.

Nothing can be so desolately dreary as full strong sunlight can be.

Not a living creature was to be seen in all the square inclosure, though cow-houses and stables formed the greater part of it, and one end was occupied by a dwelling-house.

Away through the gate at the other end, far off in fenced fields, might be seen the dark forms of cattle; and on a road, at no great distance, a cart crawled along, drawn by one sleepy horse.
An occasional weary low came from some imprisoned cow--or animal of the cow-kind; but not even a cat crossed the yard.

The door of the barn was open, showing a polished floor, as empty, bright, and clean as that of a ball-room.