When she had been out of sight for some minutes Barnet appeared at the door from within.
'Did your mistress leave word where she was going ?' he asked.
'No, sir.' 'Is the carriage ordered to meet her anywhere ?' 'No, sir.' 'Did she take a latch-key ?' 'No, sir.' Barnet went in again, sat down in his chair, and leaned back.

Then in solitude and silence he brooded over the bitter emotions that filled his heart.

It was for this that he had gratuitously restored her to life, and made his union with another impossible! The evening drew on, and nobody came to disturb him.

At bedtime he told the servants to retire, that he would sit up for Mrs.Barnet himself; and when they were gone he leaned his head upon his hand and mused for hours.
The clock struck one, two; still his wife came not, and, with impatience added to depression, he went from room to room till another weary hour had passed.

This was not altogether a new experience for Barnet; but she had never before so prolonged her absence.