AtD translation: light under the aspect of distance

[Mike Jing]

P330.10-14   “This Germany business,” said Scarsdale Vibe.
       “Sir.” Kit had expected he’d be quaking like the young aspen before
the mountain winds, but some unaccustomed light, light under the aspect of
distance, had crept round him instead, bringing if not quite immunity, at
least clarity.

What does "light under the aspect of distance" mean?