"It is too late for them to go now." The village, nestling beneath the grim protection of Osterno, was deserted and forlorn.

All the doors were closed, the meagre curtains drawn.

It was very cold.

There was a sense of relief in this great frost; for when Nature puts forth her strength men are usually cowed thereby.
At the castle all seemed to be in order.

The groom, in his great sheepskin coat, was waiting in the doorway.