3. NOONThe weather gave way. In half-an-hour there began a rapid thaw.
By ten o'clock the roads, though still dangerous, were practicable
to the extent of the half-mile required by the people of Knapwater
Park. One mass of heavy leaden cloud spread over the whole sky; the
air began to feel damp and mild out of doors, though still cold and
frosty within.
They reached the church and passed up the nave, the
deep-coloured glass of the narrow windows rendering the gloom of
the morning almost night itself inside the building. Then the
ceremony began. The only warmth or spirit imported into it came
from the bridegroom, who retained a vigorous—even
Spenserian—bridal-mood throughout the morning.
Cytherea was as firm as he at this critical moment, but as cold
as the air surrounding her.
