They did not reach Framley till long after dark--somewhere between six and seven--and by this time it was December.

There was snow on the ground, and frost in the air, and no moon, and cautious men when they went on the roads had their horses' shoes cocked.

Such being the state of the weather Mark's gig had been nearly filled with cloaks and shawls when it was sent over to Silverbridge.

And a cart was sent for Lucy's luggage, and all manner of preparations had been made.

Three times had Fanny gone herself to see that the fire burned brightly in the little room over the porch, and at the moment that the sound of the wheels was heard she was engaged in opening her son's mind as to the nature of an aunt.
Hitherto papa and mamma and Lady Lufton were all that he had known, excepting, of course, the satellites of the nursery.