We two will be friends once more.
Life is not long enough for the rupture of such a friendship." There was no light shining in the parlour window, no pleasant home-glow streaming out upon the night.

The blank created by this unwonted darkness chilled him somehow, and there was a vague sense of dread in his mind as he opened the door.

There was no need to knock.

The simple household was untroubled by the fear of burglariously-disposed intruders, and the door was rarely fastened until after dark.
Gilbert went into the parlour; all was dark and silent in the two rooms, which communicated with folding doors, and made one fair-sized apartment.
There were no preparations for dinner; he could see that in the deepening dusk.

The fire had been evidently neglected, and was at an expiring point.
"John!" he called, stirring the fire with a vigorous hand, whereby he gave it the _coup-de-grace_, and the last glimmer sank to darkness.
"John, what are you doing ?" He fancied the convalescent had fallen asleep upon the sofa in the inner room; but when he went in search of him, he found nothing but emptiness.
He rang the bell violently, and the brisk maid-servant came flying in.
"Oh, dear, sir, you did give me and missus such a turn!" she said, gasping, with her hand on her heart, as if that organ had been seriously affected.