The loss of an hour strung him to pursue the chase in earnest, and he had a beating of the heart as he thought that it might be serious.

He recollected thinking it so at Copsley.

The long ride, and nightfall, with nothing in view, had obscured his mind to the possible behind the thick obstruction of the probable; again the possible waved its marsh-light.

To help in saving her from a fatal step, supposing a dozen combinations of the conditional mood, became his fixed object, since here he was--of that there was no doubt; and he was not here to play the fool, though the errand were foolish.

He entered the churchyard, crossed the shadow of the tower, and hastened along the path, fancying he beheld a couple of figures vanishing before him.