It was a calm, still, moonless night, which closed in with raven wings
a glorious sunset in the South Atlantic ocean. The gay clouds, in
brilliant dress, that hung about the sun as he glowed to his evening
rest, had gradually changed their garments for those of more sombre
hues; and then, as gradually, had changed from mountain shapes to
feathery forms, till softening night dissolved them into invisible
vapour.
The stars came stealthily forth; a few bolder ones rushing first to the
front, while the more modest stars feared to show themselves till the
last sign of daylight fled.
First, second, third, fourth, and other magnitudes thus successively
gleamed from the cloudless arch, above and around the boy.