Welbeck did not return, though hour succeeded hour till the clock struck ten.

I inquired of the servants, who informed me that their master was not accustomed to stay out so late.

I seated myself at a table, in a parlour, on which there stood a light, and listened for the signal of his coming, either by the sound of steps on the pavement without or by a peal from the bell.

The silence was uninterrupted and profound, and each minute added to my sum of impatience and anxiety.
To relieve myself from the heat of the weather, which was aggravated by the condition of my thoughts, as well as to beguile this tormenting interval, it occurred to me to betake myself to the bath.

I left the candle where it stood, and imagined that even in the bath I should hear the sound of the bell which would be rung upon his arrival at the door.
No such signal occurred, and, after taking this refreshment, I prepared to return to my post.