Before the sun dipped below the black mass of Kettleness, standing boldly athwart the western sky, its downward way was marked by myriad clouds of every sunset colour - flame, purple, pink, green, violet, and all the tints of gold; with here and there masses not large, but of seemingly absolute blackness, in all sorts of shapes, as well outlined as colossal silhouettes.

The experience was not lost on the painters, and doubtless some of the sketches of the 'Prelude to the Great Storm' will grace the Royal Academy walls in May next year. More than one captain made up his mind then and there that his boat would remain in the harbour till the storm had passed.

The wind fell away entirely during the evening, and at midnight there was a dead calm, a sultry heat, and that prevailing intensity which, on the approach of thunder, affects persons of a sensitive nature.

Vocabulary:

Kettleness: A hill and village west of Whitby
Athwart: Across or against
Myriad: Very many
Tints: Small touches or shades of colour
Silhouettes: Where only the shape is seen
Royal Academy: An important art gallery
Sultry: Hot and sweaty
Intensity: Concentrated force