It seemed that at last the long winter was drawing to a close; that the iron grip of frost was relaxing.
Paul went out and inspected the harness by the light of a stable lantern held in the mittened hand of a yemschick.

He had reasons of his own for absenting himself while Catrina bade her mother farewell.

He was rather afraid of these women.
The harness inspected, he began reckoning how many hours of moonlight might still be vouchsafed to him.

The stableman, seeing the direction of his gaze, began to talk of the weather and the possibilities of snow in the near future.

They conversed in low voices together.
Presently the door opened and Catrina came quickly out, followed by a servant carrying a small hand-bag.
Paul could not see Catrina's face.