Farther on, the snowy road was checkered by the shadows of hedges and bare trees.

Low roofs, touched by hoar-frost, rose behind the trunks, and here and there a gleam of yellow light shone out.

The road, however, was empty, as Kit was relieved to note.
He had once or twice recently, when he went to the post in the evening, met Janet Bell coming from the little shop in the village.

In fact, the thing began to look significant.

Kit was sorry for Janet, because Bell's rule was harsh and his neighbors extended their dislike for him to his family.