He was thinking of Elizabeth.

What unspeakable wretchedness he had brought into her life, and he was still to bequeath her this squalid brutal death! It was the crowning shame and misery to the long months of doubt and fearful suspense.
Up from the earth came the scent of living growing things.

The leaves of the great maples in the court-house grounds rustled in the spring breeze, there was the soft incessant hum of insect life, and over all the white wonderful moonlight.

But he had no part in this universal renewal--he was to die his purposeless unheroic death in the morning.
For himself he could almost believe he no longer cared; he had fully accepted the idea.

He had even taken his farewell of the few in Mount Hope who had held steadfast in their friendship, and there only remained for him to die decently; to meet the inevitable with whatever courage there was in his soul.
He heard Brockett's familar step and suddenly, intent and listening, he faced the door; but the deputy came slowly down the corridor and as he entered the cell, paused, and shook his head.
"No word yet, John," he said regretfully.
"Is the train in ?" asked North.
"Yes, Conklin went down to meet it.