The sun set below Kettleness, with its large black shape standing boldly against the western sky. The downward way of the sun was marked by myriad clouds of every sunset colour - flame, purple, pink, green, violet, and all the tints of gold. Here and there were masses of cloud - not large, but of seemingly absolute blackness, in all sorts of shapes.

The experience was not lost on the painters, and no doubt some of the sketches of the 'Prelude to the Great Storm' will be displayed on 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 until the storm had passed.

The wind fell away entirely during the evening. At midnight there was a dead calm, and a sultry heat. There was that feeling in the air, just before the thunder starts, which affects persons who are sensitive to it.

Vocabulary:

Kettleness: A hill and village west of Whitby
Myriad: Very many
Tints: Small touches or shades of colour
Sketch: A quick painting or drawing
Prelude: What happens before the main event
Royal Academy: An important art gallery
Fell away: Stopped or dropped
Sultry: Hot and humid
Sensitive: Able to feel something very strongly