The weather changed suddenly in the afternoon.

A cold west wind succeeded to the warm August sunshine; clouds of dust arose; then came a heavy downpour of rain.
Ludwig was obliged to forego his intention to row about on the lake in the evening.

He spent the entire evening in his room, leaving Marie to complain to her cats; but they were sleepy, and paid no attention to what she said.
The little maid had no desire to go to bed; she was afraid she might dream again of horrible things.

The heavy rain beat against the windows; thunder rumbled in the distance.
"I should not like to venture out of the house in such weather," said Marie to her favorite cat, who was dozing on her knee.

"Ugh-h! just think of crossing the lonely court, or going through the dark woods! Ugh-h! how horrible it must be there now! And then, to pass the graveyard at the end of the village! When the lightning flashes, the crosses lift their heads from the darkness--ugh-h!" The clock struck eleven; directly afterward there came a hesitating knock at her door.
"Come in! You may come in!" she called joyfully.