Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, Catharine would not resign the hope of seeing me.

Louisa said she had left them both in the parlour, and she knew of no cause for their absence.
As yet I was not without solicitude on account of their personal safety.
I was far from being perfectly at ease on that head, but entertained no distinct conception of the danger that impended over them.

Perhaps to beguile the moments of my long protracted stay, they had gone to walk upon the bank.

The atmosphere, though illuminated only by the star-light, was remarkably serene.

Meanwhile the desirableness of an interview with Carwin again returned, and I finally resolved to seek it.
I passed with doubting and hasty steps along the path.