"Don't stand there and talk, or I shall die!" It was now as dark as evening, and Rowland could just distinguish the figure of Singleton scampering homeward with his box and easel.

"And where is Mary ?" Mrs.Hudson went on; "what in mercy's name has become of her?
Mr.Mallet, why did you ever bring us here ?" There came a prodigious flash of lightning, and the limitless tumult about them turned clearer than midsummer noonday.

The brightness lasted long enough to enable Rowland to see a woman's figure on the top of an eminence near the house.

It was Mary Garland, questioning the lurid darkness for Roderick.

Rowland sprang out to interrupt her vigil, but in a moment he encountered her, retreating.