I passed an uneasy night.

The wind moaned wearily round the house, at one moment seeming to die away altogether, at another returning with redoubled fury, roaring down the wide chimney, shaking the whole building.

It dropped completely towards dawn, and after hours of fitful slumber I slept heavily.
In the gray of the early morning I was awakened by some one coming into my room, and started up to find Charles standing by my bedside, dressed, and with a candle in his hand.

His face was worn and haggard from want of sleep.
"I have come to speak to you before I go, Middleton," he said, when I was thoroughly awake.

"Ralph and I are off by the early train.