First line of Eleanor Hallowell Abbott’s book Molly Make-Believe [1910] (ch. 1)

The morning was as dark and cold as city snow could make it–a dingy whirl at the window; a smoky gust through the fire-place; a shadow black as a bear’s cave under the table. Nothing in all the cavernous room, loomed really warm or familiar except a glass of stale water, and a vapid, half-eaten grape-fruit.

Author: Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
Source: Molly Make-Believe [1910] (ch. 1)