Datasets:

gutenberg_time

like 5

34146

3

three o'clock

That was eighteen-pence clean thrown awa ' ; and only left ye wi ' three-and-sax-pence . Poor soul ! what did ye do ? '' `` Beginning to reflect in the morning , '' said the other , `` that three-and-sixpence was not an inexhaustible sum , I agreed to pass over the very useful ceremony of a breakfast ; and , strolling about , planning what to do , and marvelling at all I saw -- after narrowly escaping being jostled to pieces , as I moved slowly from street to street , while every soul in the great city appeared to be walking for a wager but myself -- towards three o'clock I dined in an eating-house , for six pence , by the side of a coalheaver . The afternoon was also passed in dreamy wandering . After nightfall , I became dispirited and fatigued . I was still unable to form any definite plan of proceeding , and I more than once asked myself what I had come to London to do . ''

34146

0

midnight

They were a mingling of the ludicrous and the wretched . Yet , to give you but one or two instances out of many : -- One cold and weary night , sleep came upon me like death itself . I was wandering along Thames Street , and came to Billingsgate . Porters and oyster-sellers were lounging about the market , some sitting smoking , laughing , or drinking , though it was not an hour past midnight . I sought shelter beneath the sheds , and stretched myself upon one of the tables or benches . But the cold was intense . My very blood seemed freezing .

34146

3

the hour of three

I raised my hand , and I am thankful that his table , which was a fixture , was between him and the river . I rushed through the crowd ; and whether the blow which I had lent the fishmonger operated upon their courage and humanity , I can not tell , but they made way for me . I had not , however , proceeded far , when sleep again became too much for me , and too literally I ` caught myself tripping . ' Its influence was irresistible , and St Paul 's had not yet chimed the hour of three . I saw a cart standing beneath an open gateway ; and , with gratitude in my heart , I lay down on it as a couch of luxury . But there I had not lain long when I was awoke by a person at my side . I started . ''

34146

2

two o'clock

So , say the word -- will ye go wi ' me , or will ye not ? '' `` I will -- yes , yes , I will ! '' answered Mr Musgrave , eagerly . `` Well , well , '' said Peter , `` there need be no more about it , then -- say that I meet you at this house to-morrow at two o'clock . '' `` Agreed , '' replied the other . `` But , '' returned Peter , `` there is one thing I forgot to tell ye , and that is , that I understand Miss Bertha is on the eve of being married , and highly married , too , they say wi ' us . Therefore , ye will not be surprised if ye find your former acquaintance forgotten , or seemingly forgotten , which , in such matters , amounts to somewhat about the same thing . ''

34146

2

about two o'clock

`` Next forenoon we passed in a state of great anxiety . Captain H -- had spent a sleepless night , and still paced the room in violent emotion , or sank exhausted into his seat . I could not leave him , for the sake of humanity . At length , about two o'clock , Mr H -- came himself to visit his nephew . I can not describe this meeting ; it was painful to all parties . The old man had endeavoured to break the news of Hugh 's safety to his ward without success ; she was , he confessed , so much reduced , that he feared the agitation might prove fatal ; for every allusion to him , since that melancholy occurrence , had produced a series of fainting fits ; soon , however , he hoped , with safety , to be enabled to communicate the safety of her Hugh , whom , in her troubled slumbers , he had heard her name , while the large drops glistened on or glided from her long dark eyelashes . '' ' O Hugh , Hugh , what have you done ! '

34146

12

noon

My heart seemed to take little interest in what my lips were uttering . All appeared as if I had been suddenly thrown to the bottom of a mine in utter darkness . Then , again , the glowing sun , that the day before seemed stationary in the heavens , so slow had appeared his progress , now seemed to whirl with fearful velocity , as I occasionally cast up my despairing eyes to mark his progress . `` It was now past noon . Captain H -- still sat by my side , with my hand clasped affectionately in his , doing his utmost to prepare my soul for the great change . I began slowly to recover from the stupor caused by the sudden announcement of my horrid doom . I joined in prayer with him .

34146

12

noon

I was , involuntarily on my part , made his confidant . He told me that he had not as yet declared his passion to Helen , and feared to do so , lest he should be rejected by her , as there was a young Portuguese noble very marked in his attentions . Jocularly , I began to laugh him out of his fears , and urged a bold attempt to win her , if she was his choice , now that he was rich enough to forego all toil and care ; for Bachelor Hall was but a lonely dwelling . Before noon , we parted -- he to declare his unalterable love ; I to make some calls upon a few Scotch friends I had picked up . The day passed on cheerfully . I was returning to our hotel as the shades of evening began to fall , having an appointment with Captain H -- to attend a party in the evening . I was posting quickly along , when , at the Church of St. Geremino , a little distance from our hotel , I saw a crowd collect suddenly .

34145

0

midnight

Speak , Mary , love ! let me again hear your voice thrilling like music through my breast ! O Jack ! I am now like one who has been run down in a squall at midnight , and ere he is aware that the waters have covered over him , finds himself aloft , listening to the harps of the happy . ' '' ` I do n't know what this is like , Bill , ' said the other ; ` but it a n't like those meetings we used to have . ' '' ` Why so silent , love , ' said William , addressing Mary ; ` in another hour I shall be off duty , and in one day of happiness let us forget the past . ' '' ` Dear William , ' she replied , ` I know not what I should say , nor what I should conceal .

34145

12

About twelve o'clock

The struggling energies of conscience loaded with crime , have been witnessed by philosophers who have denied the existence of the moral sense as an original power ; but of what avail is their scepticism , when they are bound to admit that this great sanction of God 's law is incident to all mankind -- having been found as vivid and strong in the new-found islands of Polynesia , as it ever was in the Old World ? It would be for the interest of mankind if those who call themselves its teachers , and dignify themselves with the name of investigators of truth , had looked more often at the workings of this extraordinary power -- witnessed and described the agonies of the heart convulsed by its throes , heard and narrated the piercing cries and the flaming words that are wrung from the throat of him who is under its scorpion lash , felt and told the horrors of those sights and sounds -- instead of inquiring whether it is connate or constructed by social and political institutions . Yet this , too , has been done , and well done ; and it is not because the effects are unknown , or have been inadequately described , that I contribute the results of my experience on this interesting subject , but simply because I conceive they can not be too well known , or too forcibly delineated , in a country where a struggling competition of interests and a fierce ambition are exerted hourly in attempting to still the voice of the monitor that so indefatigably and thanklessly whispers a better life . About twelve o'clock on the night of the 15th of December , 18 -- , I was aroused by a loud knocking at my bedroom door -- a mode of calling me to my patients different from that generally followed by my domestics ; and , upon my requesting the servant to come in , he entered hurriedly , with some one behind him , who called out , in the dark , that Mr. T -- , a retired undertaker , whom I had been in the habit of attending , had been shot by an assassin , but that life remained , and might eventually be preserved , by my speedy attendance . I dressed instantly , and accompanied the messenger -- a nephew of the wounded man , called William B -- , whom I recollected to have seen in his house , and in whom he had much confidence -- to where my services were thus so urgently required . We had about a mile to walk -- the residence being beyond the town , in the midst of a small plantation of fir trees , and too well situated for the accomplishment of any felonious or murderous intention which the reputed riches of the proprietor might generate in the minds of ruffians . The night was pitch dark ; our path was rendered more doubtful by a heavy fall of snow , which , having continued all day , had ceased about two hours before ; and I was obliged to trust almost implicitly to my guide , whose familiarity with the road rendered it an easy task for him to get forward .

34145

3

about three o'clock

You know , master , what awaited us next morning . I had been marching , on the day of our arrival , for twelve hours , under a very hot sun , and was fatigued enough to sleep soundly . But the dead might have awakened next morning . The enemy broke in upon us about three o'clock . It was pitch dark . I had been dreaming , at the moment , that I was busily engaged in the landing , fighting in the front rank beside Bill , and I awoke to hear the enemy , outside the tent , struggling in fierce conflict with such of my comrades as , half-naked and half-armed , had been roused by the first alarm , and had rushed out to oppose them . You will not think I was long in joining them , master , when I tell you that Bill himself was hardly two steps a-head of me .

34145

8

About eight o'clock

But , remember , no tricks , Tom ! If we engage in the work , we must go share and share alike in the booty . ' ` To be sure , ' said Tom ; and so the conversation closed . About eight o'clock , or so , master , I stepped out to the door . The night was dark and boisterous as ever , and there had come on a heavy rain . But I could see that , dark and boisterous as it was , some one was approaching the house with a dark lanthern . I lost no time in telling the Curlits so .

34145

11

About 11 o'clock

But , when I hinted that I was in possession of such information as might lead to the accomplishment of their object , they took at once at the bait , and agreed that , not only they , but their wives and families , should be supplied from my stores . Fancy waistcoats , watch-chains , twelve-bladed knives , razors , snuff-boxes , and pocket-books , were immediately secured , and handsomely paid for ; and Neptune and I -LRB- for I verily believe he understood the whole transaction -RRB- had the pleasure of making a very considerable profit , by gaining at least 100 per cent . upon the whole concern . About 11 o'clock -- for they were now impatient to secure their prize -- we advanced , seven strong -LRB- exclusive of Neptune -RRB- , upon the old tower of Hermitage . But our approach had been anticipated , and the bird was flown . Some friendly imp , one of the family where we had so recently been convened , had probably given the necessary intimation to the illicit distillers ; and , after much searching , and some curious discoveries of dark passages , and dungeons half filled with rubbish , we found a cask or two of recently distilled spirit , with a few vats or tubs which had not been removed . It was manifest , however , from what we had discovered , that my information had been correct , and that , though flown , the bird would not be at any great distance .

34145

1

about one o'clock in the morning

All confirmed drunkards have in their drunkenness some ruling principle , which ; however far gone they may be , regulates their wayward movements . The writer 's habit was to sit when he thought he could not stand -- one which many sober men might do well to adopt . The weaver 's , again , was to _ walk _ when he wished not to stand the reckoning -- a prudent maxim which never left him , even when all other ideas had been washed from his brain . It was now about one o'clock in the morning , and they had drank so much that neither of them could tell -- for neither had any interest in a matter which did not seem to concern his pocket -- how much would require to be paid ; it was enough for Duncan Schulebred , that he knew that something , and not little , _ must _ be paid -- and now was the time for escape . `` We were speakin o ' the law , '' said Duncan Schulebred , winking with cunning and hiccuping with drink -- `` I fancy they never refuse siller at the _ bar _ here , ony mair than they do in Dumfarlan . There is only this difference atween the twa -- that the folk wha resort to _ your _ bar pay when they enter , we -LRB- hiccup -RRB- pay as we gae oot . Rest yersel there till I cast up the bill , and if I hae ony _ plea _ wi ' the landlord , ye can come and plead it . ''

34145

12

noon

But , leaving the freebooter and his son on the turret of their fastness , we shall also , for a few moments , leave Dumfriesshire , and carrying back our narrative for some weeks , introduce the reader to the ancient town of Berwick-upon-Tweed . On Wednesday , the 8th of April , 1603 , every soul in the good town of Berwick was up by daybreak ; -- wife and maiden flaunted in their newest gowns , with ample fardingales , and the sweating mechanic looked as spruce in his well brushed `` jack , '' as a courtly cavalier . By sunrise , the cannon thundered from the ramparts . Before noon , the Marshal , Sir John Carey , at the head of the garrison , composed of horse and foot , marched out of the town towards Lamberton , firing _ feu-d ' - joies _ as they went , while the cannon still pealed and the people shouted . The thunder of the artillery became more frequent -- the bells rang merrily -- the volleys of the garrison became louder and more loud , as though they again approached , and `` He comes ! -- He comes ! '' shouted the crowd ; `` Hurra !

34145

4

four o'clock

She it was who brought Mr. Andrew Micklewhame the pint of porter and the biscuit . `` I suppose , my dear ! '' said Andrew -- -LRB- he had been a gay deceiver in his youth , and , ever since that period , the phrase , `` my dear ! '' had stuck to him , and always when speaking to a female did he use it -RRB- -- `` I suppose , my dear , '' continued he , `` I can have tea , and a beef-steak , or something of that kind , to it , in '' -- -LRB- here he stopped , and looked at his watch , from which he ascertained that it was then half-past four o'clock -RRB- -- `` in an hour and a half ; and , as I purpose staying here to-night , I should like a bed . Will you arrange this for me ? '' `` Ye can easily get yer tea , sir , '' said the woman of forty-two , looking pleased at being addressed , `` my dear ; '' `` but , as for the bed , unless ye like to sleep in a dooble-bedded room , we canna gie ye accomodation . The lad that sleeps in ane o ' the beds , is a decent sort o ' a callant .

34145

2

two o'clock in the morning

Who her husband had been ? whether she had money ? what was her situation in life ? were what Andrew tried long and earnestly to discover , but in vain -- the Widow Brown seemed wrapped in mystery ; and , from that hour , when he imprinted a kiss upon her lips , under a lamp-post , at two o'clock in the morning , in Bruntisfield Place , he had neither seen nor heard of her . Years -- six in number -- had elapsed since then , and Andrew had not ventured to accept another invitation to an evening party ; but , as soon as his business for the day was over , he returned to his solitary lodging in Richmond Street ; and , for the remainder of the evening , followed the example of the gentlemen of England , and `` lived at home at ease , '' never stirring out , except to pay an occasional visit to the theatre . The localities of Alloa were quite unknown to Andrew , for the best reason in the world -- he had never been in it before ; but , by dint of attending to the usual expedient resorted to on like occasions -- that of following his nose -- in the space of a few minutes he discovered that his feet , or fate , had led him into a dockyard , where a vessel was just upon the point of being wedded to the ocean . Some women and men -- the former , as usual , predominant -- were seated on logs beneath a shed ; others , the more impatient seemingly , were walking about with umbrellas and parasols above their heads -- young men with young misses -- old men and babes .

34145

9

nine o'clock

that infernal fellow must have carried them off ! '' muttered Andrew . `` Na , na , '' said Kirsty ; `` it 's no the infernal gentleman ava , man . I wadna be the least surprised but it 's that auld punchy buddy that sleepit in this room last nicht , and ran awa this morning , wi ' the nine o'clock omnibush , without payin his reckonin , that 's ta'en yer breeks ; but ye needna mind , ye can just pit on _ his _ for a day . '' This was too much . To be told that he himself was the thief of his own o-no-we-never-mention-ems , and that he had run away that morning without paying his reckoning , was more than Andrew Micklewhame could bear . `` Are you mad , woman ? ''

34145

1

nearly one o'clock

By this time they had returned to the well , where they resumed their water vessels and hurried home , some to report the strange adventure the deacon had encountered the night before , and the deaconess to tell her better half of the delusion he had been under . Before breakfast time , the story was in every one 's mouth , from the Castle to the Abbey-gate , and as far as the town extended . On a clear moonlight night , for many years afterwards , Deacon Dickson 's dike was pointed out by the inhabitants ; and at jovial parties we have heard it said -- `` Sit still a little longer ; we are all sober enough to get over Deacon Dickson 's wall . '' The treasurer , who was not so muddled by the effect of the evening 's entertainment as the deacon , yet still impressed by the idea of the wall , proceeded homewards by the same route whereby he had reached the deacon 's , but now much refreshed by the walk , and night , or rather morning air -- for it was nearly one o'clock . As he approached the Bow-foot Well , the sobbing of a female broke the stillness of the night : he paused for a few minutes , and , looking towards the spot from whence the sound came , urged by humanity , he drew more near , till he perceived an aged female almost concealed by the dark shade of the well , against which she leaned to support herself . As soon as he saw her distinctly , with an emotion of grief and surprise he exclaimed -- `` Mrs. Horner ! -- what has happened ?

34145

0

midnight

The reward hath not perished , and shall not be taken away , though now God calls upon me to leave you . '' He then requested his father to read to him the latter part of the 15th chapter of 1st Corinthians , which he did with a composed and steady voice , amid the silent tears of his children , and the frequent sobs of the almost heart-broken mother , who leant with her face on the bedclothes , holding in hers the emaciated hand of her son . The soul of a mother can only comprehend the depth and the agony of her sufferings at that hour , when called on to part with her last born -- the Benjamin of her small household . In a short time his exhaustion was so great , that his efforts to speak were unavailing , and he fell into a gentle slumber , from which he never awoke -- breathing his soul out upon the silent midnight without a groan ! However much the stroke of death may be expected , it never arrives without a violent shock to the feelings of all around . Here the grief was deep , but it was not upbraiding ; and every pang was tempered by the gentle consolations of Christianity . The mournful news was communicated to the inhabitants of Sauchieburn ; and , amid the regrets of many a grateful parent , bright tears fell from the eyes of childhood , at the thoughts of their kind instructor 's death .

34144

0

midnight

But my thoughts were of other matters . Catherine sat beside me , arranging Easter gifts for the poor ; and I , though awkwardly , attempted to assist her . Twilight was drawing on , and the day was stormy for the season , for the snow fell , and the wind whirled round the drift in fantastic columns ; but with us , the fire blazed blithely , mingling its light with the fading day , and though the storm raged without , and Sir William seemed ready to sink into melancholy , I was happy -- more than happy . But attend , Lewis , for I never told you this ; at the very moment when my happiness seemed tranquil as the rays of a summer moon at midnight , showering them on a mountain and casting its deep , silent shadow on a lake , as though it revealed beneath the waters a bronzed and a silent world , the trampling of a horse 's feet was heard at the gate . I looked towards the narrow window . A blackish-brown , shaggy animal attempted to trot towards the door . It had rough hanging ears , a round form , and hollow back ; and a tall lathy-looking figure , dismounting from it , gave the bridle to Sir William 's groom , and uttered his orders respecting it , notwithstanding of the storm , with the slowness and solemnity of a judge .

34144

0

midnight

` Means ! Catherine ! ' returned I -- ` are ye not to be another 's ? Would that I had died before I had looked upon thy face , and my soul was lighted with a fleeting joy , only that the midnight of misery might sit down on it for ever ! ' ` Oh , speak not thus ! ' she cried , and her gentle form shook as a blighted leaf in an autumnal breeze ; ` speak not language unfit for you to utter or me to hear . Come , _ dear _ Edward ! ' '

34144

11

About eleven o'clock

The Maiden was finished soon after , and the guidman of Cairnkibbie retired with his guidwife to rest , and in their waking moments to wonder at the strange events of the day . The fears of evil , resulting from his own conduct , had in a great measure ceased ; but , alas ! they ceased only to be revived in the morning , and increased to a degree that made him still lament having forced the king 's messengers , and harboured a thief . About eleven o'clock of the succeeding day , a horseman , booted and spurred , arrived in great haste at the door of the farm-house of Cairnkibbie , and requested to see the guidman . `` What 's your will , sir ? '' said the farmer to the messenger , as he went to the door . `` I bear his Highness the King 's schedule , to be delivered to William Hume , the tenant of Cairnkibbie . ''

34144

10

about ten o'clock

said my cousin , Nelly Laurie , a girl of eighteen , to me , when my years could be reckoned by the number of the muses . `` What ! what is it ! '' I exclaimed ; and my attention was directed towards a moss , or morass , through which our footpath lay , on our way home , about ten o'clock of a dark , damp , and cloudy night . `` There ! there it 's again ! '' There is something in the word `` it '' most indefinitely terrific .

34144

0

midnight

Disease may relax the body and enervate the whole frame ; but thou art the disease of the soul , the fever of the brain . Misfortunes may be borne -- pain must be endured till it is cured -- but superstition such as _ this _ , is neither endurable nor curable . I am not yet completely cured of it , now that I have entered my sixtieth year . Were you to send me into an empty , dark church , at midnight , and through a surrounding churchyard , peopled with the bodies of the dead , I durst not go , though you gave me large sums of money . And is my judgment or reason in fault ? Not at all ; it is my feelings , my moral nature ; my very blood has got such a blue tinge that I verily believe it would look like the blue ink I am writing with , were it caught in a tea-cup ! Sir Walter Scott was bit , too , and so are nine-tenths of the _ living _ , though they wo n't allow it .

34144

1

one o'clock

But I was not in love with Alice Lorimer . True , she preferred my company to that of any other person , save her dearly-beloved father ; true , she sat on my knee , as she did on that of her parent , unconscious of any different feeling in the two positions ; but we never talked of love ; I would as soon have thought of talking of our being king and queen ; and as to Alice , her friendship for me was as pure as the love of angels . She could not think of parting with me -- of perhaps -LRB- and she burst into tears -RRB- never seeing me again . I must write to her -- and I must come back and see her , and talk funnily to her father , who liked a joke -- and I must -- I forget how many `` musts '' there were ; but they lasted till half-past one o'clock . I parted with her at her father 's door . I never saw her again ! I was coming down Enterkin late in a fine moonlight night in the spring of 1806 .

34144

0

Midnight

Her heart grew lighter as her story was told , and they sat by the window together watching one party after another return from the fair . But Willie was not amongst them ; and as it began to wax late , and acquaintances passed , Menie ran to inquire of them if they had seen anything of Willie ; and they shook their heads and said , `` No . '' And it grew later and later , till the last party who left the fair had passed , singing as they went along ; but still there were no tidings of Willie . Midnight came , and the morning came , but he came not . His mother became miserable , and , in the bitterness of her heart , she upbraided Menie , and Menie wept the more . They sat watching through the night and through the morning , listening to every sound . They heard the lark begin his song , the poultry leap from their roost , the cows low on the milk-maidens , and the ploughman prepare for the field ; yet Willie made not his appearance .

34144

0

midnight

We were left unguarded . ` Let us fly , ' said he ; but I was unable to follow him . He took me upon his shoulders . It was midnight . He bore me to the woods . For five days he carried me along , or supported me on his arm , till we were within sight of the British lines . There a party of native horsemen came upon us .

34144

8

about eight o'clock

Her name was the _ Queen Charlotte _ ; she mounted twenty-two guns ; her captain was called by the seamen the Gallipot Captain , as he had formerly been doctor on board the same vessel , and , her captain having died in her last voyage , he was now the commander , in consequence of having brought her home . I went on board in the captain 's boat , which was waiting for me , and to my great joy , found an old messmate who had sailed in the Exeter man-of-war with me . He was now second-mate of the _ Queen Charlotte _ , and I was engaged as boatswain . We were soon ready for sea ; and unmoored about eight o'clock , the wind chopping about to the east . The captain and pilot came on board through the night , and we set sail for the African coast on the morning of the 1st of May , 1788 . We passed the island of Madeira on the 8th of the month ; and having got beyond the Canary and Cape de Verd islands , all became bustle on board , making preparations for the coast ; the carpenters fitting up barricades to keep the male and female slaves apart , and the cooper getting ready all the tubs and vessels for their use . Though in anticipation , I may say that the males are never allowed to see the females until they are put on shore .

34144

11

About eleven o'clock

`` In the morning all was again bustle , preparing for a sumptuous dinner for the king , in which there behoved not to be forgot a huge plum-pudding , and a roast pig , two dishes upon which depend the good or ill humour of his Majesty ; and the larger the fragments are , the better is his humour , as all that is not consumed at the time is taken ashore with him . It was necessary that everything of value should be carefully put out of sight ; for the moment it attracts the attention of the king , he will immediately ask for it , and never cease to importune until he has obtained it . There is no use in refusing , if you mean to trade ; and all you can do , is to make the best terms for yourself you can , on the principle of present for present . `` About eleven o'clock , we heard from the shore a confused sound of drums and horns ; and , soon after , the royal canoe , formed of one single tree , put off in great state , with nearly one hundred men paddling her along , her colours flying , and about a dozen of musicians in her bow , some blowing upon antelopes ' horns , others beating upon drums and other things , and the remainder chanting or singing in a voice as melodious as the horns and drums . His Majesty sat upon a platform , in an arm-chair , in the centre of the canoe , surrounded by his favourites , all of whom he invites to his feasts . They were dressed agreeably to their tastes -- his Majesty 's uniform consisting of a cocked hat , a blue laced coat and red vest , with a shirt ruffled at breast and wristbands , and about six or seven yards of calico wrapped round his loins ; while his legs and feet were wrapped in flannel , as he was at this time suffering from gout . He appeared to be about fifty years of age , portly in his appearance , but extremely fat .

8487

12

noon

The locomobile kept this name forever after in Meyerhofer 's house . Next morning the noise began afresh . The ten hired workmen stood in the yard and did not know what to do . Meyerhofer wanted to have the engine heated , but Lob Levy , who had passed the night in a shed in order to be at hand the first thing in the morning , wanted first to receive his price , as it had been settled in the agreement , because the grain had to be delivered in town by noon . `` What grain ? '' the mother asked , turning pale . Well , it could not be denied any longer : Meyerhofer had sold almost the whole harvest -- the thrashed corn as well as the amount still to be thrashed -- to the Jew for the old worn-out engine .

8487

12

The midday sun

Just as the carriage had started , Paul was attacked by the two Erdmanns , who thrashed him a little . `` You ought to be ashamed , two against one , '' he said , and they let him go . He went home very contentedly . The midday sun glittered on the open heath , and in misty distance the carriage rolled before him ; it grew smaller and smaller , and at last disappeared as a black spot in the fir-wood . When he arrived home his mother kissed him on both cheeks , and asked , `` Well , was it nice ? '' `` Quite nice , '' he answered , `` and , mamma , Elsbeth from the White House was there , too . '' Then she blushed with joy and asked all sorts of things : how she looked , whether she had grown pretty , and what she had said to him .

8487

12

midday

He also looked back anxiously from time to time , to see whether the two Erdmanns were lurking anywhere with their mocking remarks . But when they went through the open fields it was quite natural that they should walk side by side . It was a sunny forenoon in June . The white sand on the road glittered ; round about golden hawkweed was blooming and meadowsweet waved in the warm wind ; the midday bell sounded from the village ; no human creature was to be seen far and wide ; the heath seemed quite deserted . Elsbeth wore a wide-brimmed straw-hat on her head as a protection against the sun 's rays . She took it off now , and swung it to and fro by the elastic . `` You will be too hot , '' he said ; but as she laughed at him a little he took his off also and threw it high in the air .

8487

8

eight o’clock

He took both Paul 's hands in his , and made him a long speech as to how he must learn to look out for what was great in human life , and to emulate him , his father , who , though always pursued by misfortune and plundered by the wickedness of men , had never allowed himself to be discouraged from aspiring to the stars , even in this miserable hole into which adverse fate had let him sink . And he knitted his brows and ruffled his hair , every inch of him grandeur and importance . Paul kissed both his hands and promised everything . At eight o'clock he saw on the high-road which led across the heath a carriage roll by , the silver ornaments of which sparkled in the morning sun . For a long time he looked after it . Everything seemed to him like a dream . He felt so exultantly glad that he was almost overpowered by happiness .

8487

12

noon

How is your dear mamma ? '' Paul gave her a grateful glance . He felt he could speak to-day of all that was in his heart ; then it suddenly occurred to him that the pause for breakfast was long over , and that the servant was waiting for him with the horses . By noon he must finish , for after dinner the cart was to drive to the town with a load of peat which he had had secretly cut . `` I must go to work , '' he faltered . `` Oh , what a pity ! And when will you have done ? ''

8487

12

About twelve o’clock

`` I shall leave the book here , '' she called after him ; `` fetch it when you have finished . '' The servant smiled knowingly when he saw him come , and Paul hardly dared to raise his eyes to him . Each time when he passed at his work the place where she was resting in the wood she raised herself up a little and waved to him with her pocket-handkerchief . About twelve o'clock she rolled up her hammock , stepped to the edge of the wood , and called out a farewell to him through her folded hands . He took off his cap to thank her , but the servant looked the other way and whistled softly , as if he had seen nothing . During dinner that day his mother could not take her eyes from her son , and when they were alone she went up to him , took his head in both her hands , and said , `` What has happened to you , my boy ? '' `` Why ? ''

8487

0

nearly midnight

`` Your eyes sparkle so suspiciously . '' He laughed loudly and ran away ; but when at supper she still looked at him -- inquiringly and sadly -- he was sorry that he had not given her his confidence , and went after her and confessed all that had happened to him . Then her haggard face suddenly lit up as by a ray of sunshine , and while he crept away ashamed , with glowing cheeks , she looked after him with moist eyes and folded her hands as if in prayer . He sat up in his room till nearly midnight , his head leaning on his hands . The mysterious book was lying on his knee ; but he could not read it , because his father had forbidden him to burn a light at night . He had to wait till Sunday . He was musing on how she had altered .

8487

0

midnight

They had asked permission to visit the vicar 's daughter Hedwig , their playmate , who was an unpretending , quiet girl , in whose company he gladly trusted them . Now he thought he would wait till they had all come home . The moonlight drew him out onto the heath . It lay there in midnight silence ; only in the heather a linnet chirped from time to time , as if in its sleep . The wild-pinks bent their red heads , and the golden-rod shone as if it wanted to compete with the moonbeams . Slowly , with hesitating steps , he walked on , sometimes stumbling over a mole-hill or entangling himself in the tendrils of the plants . The dew sparkled before him in shining drops .

8487

0

midnight

He turned quickly round and saw another shadowy couple , who seemed to sink into the ground behind a bush . `` The whole heath seems alive to-day , '' he murmured , and added , smiling , `` of course , it is mid summer night . '' Soon after him the twins came home with wild hair and flushed faces . They declared the vicar had told them their fortunes by cards till midnight . They would soon get husbands . Giggling , they slipped away into their bedroom . Old Meyerhofer revelled in happiness .

8487

20

eight o’clock in the evening

`` Do you remember whether in any way you had anything to do with fire , matches , or such things ? '' `` Oh no , I am much too careful for that . '' `` When were you last in the barn ? '' `` At eight o'clock in the evening . '' `` What were you doing there ? '' `` I made my usual evening round before I locked the gates . '' `` Do you always lock the gates yourself ? ''

8487

0

midnight

She has had to get up hungry from the table of life , just as I said . '' He wondered that the pain he felt was not so great as he had fancied it would be . Only the confused thoughts about all sorts of stupid things flitting through his head like bats at dusk showed him the state of his mind . It struck midnight ; then his father said , `` We will go to rest , children ; let him sleep who can ! ... Hard days lie before us . '' He embraced the twins , shook hands with Paul , and had himself carried to his room . `` How good father is to-day ! ''

8487

11

eleven o’clock

`` Just give me the tap , '' Max answered ; `` I am an expert . The beer in the casks will be just as fresh to-morrow as it is to-day . '' And when Paul had done his bidding , he turned his back on him and went away . At eleven o'clock the candles round the coffin were blown out -- every one retired to rest . Paul found that there was no bed left for him , and climbed into the hay-loft , where he sat upright all night buried in thought . At ten o'clock in the morning the first guests arrived , and , indeed , such guests as had neither accepted the invitation nor been expected at all . When Paul saw them coming his first thought was , `` Have I provided enough food and drink ? ''

8487

10

ten o’clock in the morning

And when Paul had done his bidding , he turned his back on him and went away . At eleven o'clock the candles round the coffin were blown out -- every one retired to rest . Paul found that there was no bed left for him , and climbed into the hay-loft , where he sat upright all night buried in thought . At ten o'clock in the morning the first guests arrived , and , indeed , such guests as had neither accepted the invitation nor been expected at all . When Paul saw them coming his first thought was , `` Have I provided enough food and drink ? '' and the more the carriages came rolling into the yard , and entire strangers kept stretching out their black-gloved hands to his family , the more a voice seemed to say to him , `` There wo n't be enough . '' His father had again one of his days of grandeur .

8487

0

midnight

Oh , that will be beautiful ! Now just pay attention ; I know a beautiful verse : ``` What my love for you is , have you known ? There is on the heath a grave all alone ; In it a poor dead poet is sleeping , To whom his love has brought much weeping ; He sleeps and sleeps in his sombre grave , But sleeps not away the grief love gave . At midnight go to the grave on the heath , And wait till he again shall breathe ; He knows the singing and kissing well , And he can tell -- ' `` Is n't that pretty ? '' `` Very pretty ! Who taught you that , Kitty ? '' `` I once found it in a book of songs which belonged to mother .

8487

8

eight o’clock

I will relinquish the last remnant of pride , if only my sisters can be saved . '' He vowed it with uplifted arms , and hurried out onto the heath . For wellnigh three hours he struggled along the snowed-up roads . It might have been eight o'clock when he stopped , tired and breathless , before the gates of Lotkeim . `` To-day they shall not escape me , '' he said , and as he found the gate locked again , he lay down and crept through underneath the fence , as he had seen dogs do . The windows of the manor-house were brightly lighted up , but as the curtains had been let down , nothing could be seen of the room inside ; only snatches of song and laughter floated out into the open air . The house door stood open .

8487

6

six o’clock

The heath lay shrouded in a blue-gray mist , and sparkling ice-crystals were flying through the clear winter air . When he passed Helenenthal he saw two sledges moving towards the manor-house laden with fir branches . `` It seems to me they are going to have a festivity there , '' he murmured , looking after the sledges ; and with a sombre smile he added , `` I need not be jealous , for to-day I , too , hold a festival . '' At six o'clock he arrived in the town , procured himself an entrance-ticket , and remained crouched in a corner of the inn till nine o'clock , absorbed in his own dark thoughts . When he entered the dancing-room , which was all stir and confusion , he hid himself in the shadow of a pillar , for he felt as though the murderous thoughts that filled his soul were written on his forehead , clearly visible to everybody . All of a sudden a painful thrill ran through his frame . He had found the brothers ; they stood in the middle of the room , proud and radiant , with silken badges on their shoulders , and lilies-of-the-valley in their button-holes , looking at the row of girls dressed in white , who ornamented the walls , with a triumphant smile .

8487

4

about four o’clock in the morning

I will ! '' And in assurance thereof he shot a ball into the air , so that the echo rolled through the silence awfully and the ravens flew croaking from their nests . The nearer the hour approached at which the brothers must return home the more nervous he grew ; but his nervousness was not about the bloody deed : he trembled lest at the last moment his hand should fail him , his courage vanish , for they had always called him a coward . It might have been about four o'clock in the morning , and the moon was already waning , when the sound of bells was heard in the distance -- at first softly , then louder and louder . He sprang into the hollow which the driving snow had nearly filled up , and threw himself flat upon the ground . The sledge neared the edge of the wood ; two persons wrapped in furs sat in it -- it was they . But how long they were coming !

8487

0

midnight

* * * * * During the same week it began to thaw , the work went on quickly , and one Friday evening at the beginning of March `` Black Susy '' stood there , smart and shiny in her newly-mended garment . Next day the boiler was to be tried , and the wood and coal lay heaped up by the walls of the shed . Paul , unable to sleep , tossed on his bed . The hours crept slowly by , and a short eternity of the most painful expectation elapsed between midnight and dawn . `` Will she come to life ? Will she ? '' The clock struck one .

8487

1

one o’clock

asked Paul . `` Oh , I only meant ... coincidence -- the same day that they burned down our barn . Just tell me , Paul -- you were awake -- what hour might it have been when you saw the flames rise ? '' `` It might have been one o'clock . '' `` Well , you ought to know . Though what the business really was that took you to Helenenthal that night passes my comprehension , but it is all right quite right ! now I know the exact hour . ''

8487

1

one o’clock

Then suddenly it shot through his brain -- `` Why did father ask so minutely about the time years ago ? Would his revenge be executed at the same moment ? Good heavens ' then all is lost . I told him one o'clock was the hour , and it is one now . '' Mad fear seized him -- again he climbed the ladder . In the next moment the flames would rise over there . Is it not burning there already ?

8487

12

twelve o’clock

Plague you , leave me in peace ! '' he cried to the women who surrounded him . `` But think of Elsbeth , '' they called out . `` At twelve o'clock the vicar comes , and what will she look like ? '' `` That 's her lookout ! '' he shouted . `` Let her be , she knows quite well what she is doing . ''

8487

11

eleven o’clock

It was a sad procession . Elsbeth had Paul carried into her own bedroom , locked the door , and seated herself near the bed . Vainly the aunts implored to be let in . At eleven o'clock the doctor came , and declared himself willing to stay with his patient till next morning . He had evidently come prepared for it , for he was an old friend of the house and one of the wedding guests . Meanwhile they were to telegraph for a nurse . `` May I not stay with him ? ''

8487

12

noon

`` Thither , '' he said . `` I can not rest ere I have been there . '' `` You are right , '' she replied , and hand in hand they walked through the blooming heather , over which the wild bees were swarming , sleepily humming . When they entered the cemetery the clock at the White House was striking noon . Twelve times it sounded in short strokes , a soft echo quivered in the air , and then all was quiet again ; only the humming and singing continued . His mother 's grave was overgrown with ivy and wild myrtle , and at its head rose the radiant blossom of a golden-rod . Between the leaves rust-colored ants were creeping , and a lizard rustled down into the green depths .

8487

0

midnight

`` Thy little bird upon the sill Chirps gently towards thy bed his trill , And closes wearily his wings -- Sleep on ! `` Dear child , sleep on ; sleep on , dear child ! Beside thy bed thy mother mild Watches the hour-glass slowly turn -- Sleep on ! `` Thy mother watches -- time goes by -- The midnight hour approaches nigh , And then thy father may return -- Sleep on ! '' And then another poem : I knew a sweet maiden in years that are gone , Who on the green heath dwelt forsaken and lone . And longed sore for love -- She looked from her window by day and by night Her lovely blue eyes glanced out smiling and bright ; Ah ! she longed sore for love !

4444

0

midnight

DIPWELL FARM IV . I HAVE A TASTE OF GRANDEUR V. I HAVE A DEAR FRIEND VI . A TALE OF A GOOSE One midnight of a winter month the sleepers in Riversley Grange were awakened by a ringing of the outer bell and blows upon the great hall - doors . Squire Beltham was master there : the other members of the household were , his daughter Dorothy Beltham ; a married daughter Mrs. Richmond ; Benjamin Sewis , an old half-caste butler ; various domestic servants ; and a little boy , christened Harry Lepel Richmond , the squire 's grandson . Riversley Grange lay in a rich watered hollow of the Hampshire heath-country ; a lonely circle of enclosed brook and pasture , within view of some of its dependent farms , but out of hail of them or any dwelling except the stables and the head-gardener 's cottage . Traditions of audacious highwaymen , together with the gloomy surrounding fir-scenery , kept it alive to fears of solitude and the night ; and there was that in the determined violence of the knocks and repeated bell-peals which assured all those who had ever listened in the servants ' hall to prognostications of a possible night attack , that the robbers had come at last most awfully .

4444

1

A quarter to two

roared the squire . ` Why , what 's it o'clock ? ' Reaching a hand to the watch over his head , he caught sight of the unearthly hour . ` A quarter to two ? Gentleman downstairs ? Ca n't be that infernal apothecary who broke 's engagement to dine with me last night ? By George , if it is I 'll souse him ; I 'll drench him from head to heel as though the rascal 'd been drawn through the duck-pond .

4444

2

Two o'clock in the morning

Gentleman downstairs ? Ca n't be that infernal apothecary who broke 's engagement to dine with me last night ? By George , if it is I 'll souse him ; I 'll drench him from head to heel as though the rascal 'd been drawn through the duck-pond . Two o'clock in the morning ? Why , the man 's drunk . Tell him I 'm a magistrate , and I 'll commit him , deuce take him ; give him fourteen days for a sot ; another fourteen for impudence . I 've given a month ` fore now .

4444

0

midnight

and the door 's locked ? ' ` Yes , sir . ' ` Let him rot there ! ' By this time the midnight visitor 's patience had become exhausted . A renewal of his clamour for immediate attention fell on the squire 's ear , amazing him to stupefaction at such challengeing insolence . ` Hand me my breeches , ' he called to Sewis ; ` I ca n't think brisk out of my breeches . ' Sewis held the garment ready .

4444

0

midnight

They petted me tenderly . My story was extracted by alternate leading questions from the old gentleman and timely caresses from the ladies . I could tell them everything except the name of the street where I lived . My midnight excursion from the house of my grandfather excited them chiefly ; also my having a mother alive who perpetually fanned her face and wore a ball-dress and a wreath ; things that I remembered of my mother . The ladies observed that it was clear I was a romantic child . I noticed that the old gentleman said ` Humph , ' very often , and his eyebrows were like a rook 's nest in a tree when I spoke of my father walking away with Shylock 's descendant and not since returning to me . A big book was fetched out of his library , in which he read my grandfather 's name .

4444

9

nine o'clock

Mrs. Waddy entreated him to be respectful to my father , who was , she declared , his superior , and , begging everybody 's pardon present , the superior of us all , through no sin of his own , that caused him to be so unfortunate ; and a real Christian and pattern , in spite of outsides , though as true a gentleman as ever walked , and by rights should be amongst the highest . She repeated ` amongst the highest ' reprovingly , with the ears of barley in her blue bonnet shaking , and her hands clasped tight in her lap . Old Mr. Bannerbridge -LRB- that was the old gentleman 's name -RRB- came back very late from his visit to my father , so late that he said it would be cruel to let me go out in the street after my bed-time . Mrs. Waddy consented to my remaining , on the condition of my being surrendered to her at nine o'clock , and no later , the following morning . I was assured by Mr. Bannerbridge that my father 's health and appetite were excellent ; he gave me a number of unsatisfying messages , all the rest concerning his interview he whispered to his daughter and his sister , Miss Bannerbridge , who said they hoped they would have news from Hampshire very early , so that the poor child might be taken away by the friends of his infancy . I could understand that my father was disapproved of by them , and that I was a kind of shuttlecock flying between two battledores ; but why they pitied me I could not understand . There was a great battle about me when Mrs. Waddy appeared punctual to her appointed hour .

4444

10

ten in the morning

This was our consolation , and the sentiment of the school . Fancy , then , our amazement to behold him laying the cane on Heriot 's shoulders as fiercely as he could , and Boddy seconding him . The scene was terrible . We were all at our desks doing evening tasks for the morrow , a great matchday at cricket , Boddy watching over us , and bellowing , ` Silence at your work , you lazy fellows , if you want lessons to be finished at ten in the morning ! ' A noise came growing up to us from below , up the stairs from the wet-weather shed , and Heriot burst into the room , old Rippenger after him , panting . ` Mr. Boddy , you were right , ' he cried , ` I find him a prowler , breaking all rules of discipline . A perverted , impudent rascal !

4444

3

three in the morning

We had lost the sound of the carriage . Heriot fell to musing . He remarked that the accident took away from Mr. Salter the responsibility of delivering him at Surrey House , but that he , Heriot , was bound , for Mr. Salter 's sake , to conduct me to the doors ; an unintelligible refinement of reasoning , to my wits . We reached our town between two and three in the morning . There was a ladder leaning against one of the houses in repair near the school . ` You are here , are you ! ' said Heriot , speaking to the ladder : ` you 'll do me a service -- the last I shall want in the neighbourhood . '

34149

0

midnight

It was thick and dark ; and there was a rustling and crackling on every side , as the dogs went bounding among the underwood -- their ears and tails erected , and opening from time to time in quick , sharp barkings , sure indications that they deemed themselves near the close of their journey . The trees began to open ; and , descending an abrupt ice declivity , the travellers found themselves on the edge of a narrow creek , that went winding into the interior , between steep banks laden with huge piles of snow , which , hollowed by the blast into a thousand fantastic forms , hung bellying over the level . A log-house , buried half-way to the eaves in front , and overtopped by an immense wreath behind -- resembling some hapless vessel in the act of foundering -- occupied an inflection of the bank opposite the promontory ; and in a few minutes the travellers had crossed the creek , and stood fronting the door . `` Ah , no kindly smoke comes frae the lum , Innes , '' said Sandy , leaping out of the car ; `` all dark , too , as midnight at Yule ; but we maun just bestir ourselves , and get up a blaze . Do exert yourself , my bonny man , or we shall perish yet . Unfasten the dogs , and be sure you hang up the harness out of their reach , or the puir hungry wratches will eat it up , every snap , afore morning . Unfasten the door , too , and get out our driest skins and driest tinder ; and I , meanwhile , shall provide you with brushwood aneugh to keep up a bonfire till morning . ''

34149

0

about midnight

The River , ye ken , is no mickle aboon twa hundred miles frae Racoon Settlement , and Tam M'Intyre and I , who for five years hadna seen a living creature liker a woman than an Indian squaw , resolved on going to the ball , to see the lassies . We yoked our sledges on a snell frosty morning , set out across the great lake , and reached the log-house at Bear 's Point about dark . We got up a rousin fire , and drunk maybe a glass or twa extra owre our cracks about Scotland and the lassies ; but I 'll tak my aith o n't there was neither o ' us meikle the waur . But , however it happened , about midnight we baith awakened mair nor half scomfisht , and there was the roof in a bright lowe aboon our heads . M'Intyre singed a ' his whiskers and eebrees in getting out ; I was luckier , and escaped wi ' the loss only o ' my blanket and our twa days ' provisions . But we just couldna help it ; and , yokin our dogs by the light o ' the burnin , aff we set , weel aware that we wad baith miss our breakfasts or we reached the Hawk River . We travelled a ' that day and a ' the next nicht , the dogs hearty and strong , puir brutes , for we had been lucky aneugh to get the hinder half o ' a black fox in a trap -- the other half had been eaten by the wolves ; but oursels , Innes , were like to famish .

34149

2

about two o'clock

I slept soundly till morning ; and , after a breakfast of porridge -- `` Scotland 's halesome food '' -- and learning that the young and beautiful woman , the shepherd 's daughter , was to be married on Saturday eight-days , I bent my way homewards , to hear and bear merited reproof for the anxiety which my absence -LRB- which was , however , luckily attributed to a stolen visit to an aunt -RRB- had occasioned . Saturday eight-days dawned , and by this time I had resumed my fishing preceptor and companion , _ Willie Herdman _ , to accompany me to the mountains , thinking to decoy him , as it were , to the neighbourhood of the wedding , and there to treat him with a view of the happy party and blooming bride . I kept my own secret , and we were within a mile of the sheiling ere I disclosed it . It was then about two o'clock , and , so far as we could guess , precisely the marriage dinner-hour . Willie , who was an old soldier , had no objection to join in the merriment , nor to drink a glass to the future happiness of the young folks . So on we trudged , our lines rolled up , and our fishing-wallet -LRB- for baskets we had none -RRB- properly adjusted . We soon caught the descending stream ; and , at a pretty sharp turning , came all at once within view of the hospitable cottage ; but , to our surprise , there was neither noise nor cavalcade -- all was desolation and silence around .

34149

11

About eleven o'clock

There was no harm in this ; but he called again the next day , and , as I shortly after learned , every day . So , when I heard this , I thought it was right and proper that I should see him , and learn who and what he was . I accordingly stopped at home a forenoon for the express purpose , but not much , as I easily observed , to the satisfaction of Elizabeth . About eleven o'clock the gentleman came as usual . I easily saw that he was rather taken aback on perceiving me ; but he recovered his self-possession as quick as the eyelids can twinkle , and perfectly confused me with his superabundance of bows and scrapes . I did not like his appearance . He was dressed like a perfect fop .

34149

11

eleven o'clock

When he left the house , I turned to Elizabeth , and -- `` Now , Betty , hinny , '' says I , `` tak my advice , as yer faither and yer freend , and ne'er speak to that young man again , nor alloo him to keep ye company ; for , as sure as my name is Reuben , there is something essentially bad aboot him . '' She hung her head , and there was a tear in her ee , and I think for the first time ever I had observed it in my days , she looked rather sulky ; but I could get no satisfaction from her . I think it was between two and three months after this -- during which time I had seen and heard no more of the fashionable Charles Austin -- that , having business to transact in Liverpool , I took Priscilla down with me in the gig , for the benefit of her health . It was in the summer season , and eleven o'clock had just chimed from the steeple of the collegiate church before we returned at night . But never , never shall I forget our miserable home-coming . There was our poor Rachel , sitting by herself , wringing her hands , and the tears running down her bonny cheeks . `` Rachel !

34149

10

about ten o'clock

sobbed my poor bairn . Priscilla was stupified , and she repeated the word `` Away ! '' but the truth broke over me in a moment ; and I sank back into a chair , as helpless , for all the world , as a new-born infant . Rachel tried to compose herself the best way she could ; and she informed us that her sister had left the house about ten o'clock in the forenoon , and that she had not since returned . She also mentioned that Elizabeth had been seen in the company of Charles Austin shortly after leaving the house ; and that , when she did not return in the course of the day , suspecting that they had fled to Gretna , she had sent my principal clerk , Thomas Galloway , after them , in a chaise-and-four , to bring back Elizabeth . Distressed as I was , I admired the presence of mind which Rachel had exhibited . She had done all that I could have done myself , had I been at home ; and a fitter person than Thomas Galloway could not have been sent .

34149

8

eight o'clock

And , in a few minutes , the topgallantyards were safely landed on deck , and secured on the booms . Hitherto the weather had been dry and fine , except during the squalls ; but , as the night closed in , a thick drizzling rain came on , which drove all the passengers below . The ship was now plunging and rolling heavily , and the white foam of the long tumbling seas looked doubly ghastly through the gloom , while their roaring formed dismal harmony with the howling of the wind . Our party was small at the cuddy-table that evening , when we met at eight bells -LRB- eight o'clock -RRB- to discuss our hot grog and negus . Some of the gentlemen were sick , others tired , and some alarmed at the appearance of things around them . The mercury in the barometer had fallen considerably ; and the captain , as he sat at the table rallying some of his passengers on the extraordinary length of their phizzes , was evidently assuming a cheerfulness he did not feel ; and at times looked absent and uneasy . `` Has not the glass fallen very fast , captain ? ''

34149

16

About four o'clock in the afternoon

It was a work of considerable difficulty and no little danger to bend the cables , as the ship was plunging and rolling awfully , and every now and then taking green seas over all , and volumes of water rushed through the open hawse-hole into the lower deck . At last it _ was _ accomplished , and the men had a temporary respite from their labour . The gale , so far from moderating , rather increased in fury ; but the leak had not gained upon us , and the maintopmast still seemed to stand stiffly up to the gale , with the close-reefed sail upon it . About four o'clock in the afternoon , a heavy sea struck the quarter , filled one quarter-boat , and broke it away from the tackles , and stove the other ; and at the same time the ship _ lurched _ so deeply , that the muzzles of her quarterdeck guns were buried in the water , one of the maintopmast backstays gave way , and the mast , with a loud crash , went toppling over the side . I was standing under the poop awning at the time , and was nearly washed off my feet by a body of water rushing out of the cuddy ; and at the same time I heard the screaming of the ladies in the after cabin . I ran aft , and knocking at the fair widow 's door , was immediately admitted , and found everything in the greatest confusion , and herself in extreme alarm . The sea had burst in the quarterport , and deluged the cabin with water ; the deck was strewed with furniture , dashing and tumbling about with the motion of the ship ; and Emily herself was clinging to one of the stanchions , pale with terror , and drenched to the skin .

34149

0

midnights

The gipsy chieftain had also a grim cur of the true black-faced breed , famous for collecting and driving off sheep , and therefore distinguished by his own name . In the darkest cleughs or ravines , or in the deepest snow , this faithful animal had never been known to abandon the flock commited to his care , or to fail in tracing a fugitive . But , as sight and strength began to fail , the four-footed chieftain was deposed , imprisoned in a byre loft , and finally sentenced to be drowned . In one of those drear midnights so awful to travellers in the Highlands , a man , wrapped in a large coarse plaid , strode from a stone ridge , on the border of Loch Lomond , into a boat which he had drawn from its covert . He rowed resolutely and alone , looking carefully to the right and to the left , till he suffered the tide to bear his little bark into a gorge or gulf , so narrow , deep , and dark , that no escape but death seemed to await him . Precipices , rugged with dwarf shrubs and broken granite , rose more than a hundred feet on each side , sundered only by the stream , which a thirsty season had reduced to a sluggish and shallow pool . The boatman , poising himself erect on his staff , drew three times the end of a strong chain which hung among the underwood .

34149

12

about twelve o'clock

Come , put up your whinger , my man , and dinna be breakin the peace o ' the meetin . ' Weel , you see , as Sir Robert was a good freend o ' mine , and had stood my part in many a strait , I did as he bade me , but wi ' a secret oath that I wad tak an opportunity after o ' clearin scores wi ' Tinlin . And , by my feth , it wasna lang or I got amends o ' him . The very next nicht , having beforehand learned whar he lived , I slippit my beast quietly out o ' the stable , mounted and set off at a swingin trot for Tinlin 's , where I arrived about twelve o'clock at nicht -- a distance o ' thirty miles ; but I kent every fit o ' the way . On reachin the house , I rapped at the door . ` Wha 's there ? ' cried Tinlin , jumpin out o ' his bed .

34149

12

the hour of twelve

On taking hold of him , though she did it in the gentlest manner possible , with a view to assist him out of the bed , he screamed out that she was breaking him to fragments , with such vociferation that the neighbours flocked in , to ascertain what was the cause . She could give no proper explanation ; for , although she had already got some insight into the nature of the disease , she felt ashamed to exhibit the weakness of her husband ; but he , who felt no delicacy on the subject , accused her , with tears in his eyes , of an intention to break him into pieces ; called her a cruel woman , and appealed to several of those present whether it was reasonable to suppose that a person who had a part of his body made of glass could be safely handled in the rough manner in which the careless and temerarious woman had begun to touch and move him from the only safe position he could ever enjoy on earth . The poor woman wept as she told me that his speech was received by the neighbours with a loud laugh . I sympathised with her , and told her , with much grave and real sincerity , that I would do everything I could for her husband ; and in the meantime recommended her again to try to get him out of bed by the hour of twelve , when I would call and see him , and try some remedy for him . I called accordingly , but found that the wife 's efforts had proved unavailing ; he was still in bed on his face , and murmuring strong and bitter reproaches against his helpmate , whom he eyed with an expression of mixed anger and terror . `` Is it not horrible , sir , '' he vociferated , `` that a woman should attempt to take the life of her husband ? Say , as a Christian and a man , if I ought not to be handled in a manner suitable to the nature of the substance of which a part of my body is composed ?

34149

0

midnight

Poor Mary felt the bitterness and anguish of a deserted wife ; but she upbraided him not -- she spoke not of her sorrows . Health forsook her cheeks , and gladness had fled from her spirit ; yet as she nightly sat hour after hour waiting his return , as he entered , she welcomed him with a smile , which not unfrequently was met with an imprecation or a frown . They had been married about two years . Mary was a mother , and oft at midnight she would sit weeping over the cradle of her child , mourning in secret for its thoughtless father . It was her birth-day , her father had come to London to visit them ; she had not told him of her sorrows , and she had invited a few friends to dine with them . They had assembled ; but Adam was still absent . He had been unkind to her ; but this was an unkindness she did not expect from him .

34149

12

twelve o'clock

I had almost made a fool of myself by giving a false alarm . I never was so much out of sorts in my life with real terror ; I shook like a dog in a wet sack . My station was an old building , a complete ruin , without roof , and not more than six feet of wall standing in any part of it ; so that , with a glance of my eye , I could examine recesses of the interior . My turn came at twelve o'clock . The orders were to allow no one to advance without the word and countersign ; and if any movement was perceived in the enemy 's lines , to fire off my piece , and fall back upon the mainguard . I had been upon my station for about half-an-hour , or better , musing upon various things -- but Jeanie and you were ever uppermost in my thoughts . Suddenly a strange sound fell upon my ear .

34149

9

nine o'clock

`` Hout , na , '' said Willie , `` he kens the gate as weel 's I do mysel -- there 's nae fear o ' him ; but I 'm thinkin , maybe , his father 's waur than he expeckit , and he 'll be bidin at the Langholm a ' nicht . '' `` Puir chiel ! I did hear tell that his father was waitin on ; but I hope he 's no that far gane yet . '' It was now near nine o'clock , and the good folks were beginning to be rather uneasy about John Graham , who had faithfully promised to return before eight , when they heard the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps , and presently the object of their solitude appeared , running at the top of his speed , and looking anxiously behind him , as if dreading pursuit , or flying from danger . He soon reached the cottage , and staggered to the door , where he leaned , apparently quite exhausted . His face was ghastly pale , large drops of perspiration stood on his brow , and his limbs trembled as if he were under the influence of ague . `` Mercy on us ! ''

34148

0

midnight

And even on the northern side of `` the river , '' and `` the ideal line by fancy drawn , '' which `` divide the sister kingdoms , '' there are thousands who welcome and forget not `` blithe Yule Day . '' Next comes the New Year -- the bottle , the hot pint , and the _ first-foot _ -- and we might notice , also , Hansel Monday , and `` Auld Hansel Monanday , '' which follow in their wake , and keep up the merriment till the back of January is broken . But our business at present is with the _ first-foot _ , and we must hold . It matters not on what side of the Borders it may be -- and northward the feeling extends far beyond the Borders -- there is a mysterious , an ominous importance attached to the individual who first crosses the threshold , after the clock has struck twelve at midnight , on the 31st of December , or who is the _ first-foot _ in a house after the New Year has begun . The _ first-foot _ stamps the `` luck '' of the house -- the good fortune or the evil fortune of its inmates throughout the year ! But to begin with our story . There was not a person on all the Borders , nor yet in all Scotland , who attached more importance to the first-foot than Nelly Rogers .

34148

12

the hour of twelve

The joiner in the next village , however , said , that `` Wi ' a ' George 's genius , he didna believe he could mak an elshin-heft , and stick him ! -- and , in his opinion , there was mair to be made by making elshin-hefts than by writing ballants ! '' As I have said , eight years had passed ; it was again the last night of the old year , and a very dark and stormy night it was . Mr Rogers , his wife , their son George , and the rest of their family , had again seen the old year out , and the New Year in , and exchanged with each other the compliments of the season , when the cuckoo-clock again announced the hour of twelve . Nelly had '' _ happed _ up the fire '' with her own hands -- a thing that she always did on the last night of the old year , that it might not be out on a New-year 's morning . She was again wondering who would be their first-foot , and expressing a hope that it would be a lucky one , when a chaise drew up before the house , and the driver , dismounting and knocking at the window , begged that they would favour him with a light , as the roads were exceedingly dark , and the lamps of the chaise had been blown out by the wind . `` A licht ! ''

34148

0

midnight

Within two days , he saw at the door of every bookseller a placard with the words -- `` Just published , A DEFENCE OF THE WAR WITH FRANCE , by the Right Hon. Lord L -- . '' George compared himself to Esau , who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage -- he had bartered his name , his fame , and the fruits of his genius , for a paltry guinea . He began to be ashamed of the shabbiness of his garments -- the withering meaning of the word clung round him -- he felt it as a festering sore eating into his very soul , and he appeared but little upon the streets . He had been several weeks without a lodging , and though it was now summer , the winds of heaven afford but a comfortless blanket for the shoulders when the midnight dews fall upon the earth . He had slept for several nights in a hayfield in the suburbs , on the Kent side of the river ; and his custom was , to lift a few armfuls aside on a low rick , and laying himself down in the midst of it , gradually placing the hay over his feet , and the rest of his body , until the whole was covered . But the hay season did not last for ever ; and one morning , when fast asleep in the middle of the rick , he was roused by a sudden exclamation of mingled horror and astonishment . He looked up , and beside him stood a countryman , with his mouth open , and his eyes gazing wistfully .

34148

11

eleven o'clock

Twenty shillings will go farther in London than in any city in the world , with those who know how to spend it -- but much depends upon that . By all the by-ways he could find , George winded his way down to Rosemary Lane , where the '' _ Black and Blue Reviver _ '' worketh miracles , and where the children of Israel are its high priests . Within an hour , wonderful was the metamorphosis upon the person of George Rogers . At eleven o'clock he was clothed as a beggar -- at twelve he was shabby-genteel . The hat in ruins was replaced by one of a newer shape , and that had been brushed and ironed till it was as clear as a looking-glass . The skirtless coat was thrown aside for an olive-coloured one of metropolitan cut , with a velvet collar , and of which , as the Israelite who sold it said , `` de _ glosh _ was not off . '' The buttonless vest was laid aside for one of a light colour , and the place of the decayed trousers was supplied by a pair of pure white ; yea , his feet were enclosed in sheep-skin shoes , which , he was assured , had never been upon foot before .

34148

9

nine o'clock

He dwelt upon the effect of the scenery -- he quoted passages from his own epic -- and he spoke of the time when his fair companion was his mother 's first-foot . She informed him that she was then hastening to the death-bed of her grandfather , whom she believed to be the only relative that she had in life -- that she arrived in time to receive his blessing , and that , with his dying breath , he told her her father yet lived -- and , for the first time , she heard his name , and had found him . George would have asked what that name was , but when he attempted to do so he hesitated , and the question was left unfinished . They spoke of many things , and often they walked in silence ; and it was not until the watchman called , `` Past nine o'clock , '' that they seemed to discover that , instead of proceeding towards Pimlico , they had been walking backward and forward upon the Mall . Ho accompanied her to her father 's door , and left her with his heart filled with unutterable thoughts . The three months had not quite expired , when the anxiously-looked-for invitation arrived , and George Rogers was to dine at the house of his uncle 's friend , the father of the fair Isabel . I shall not describe his feelings as he hastened along the streets towards Pimlico .

34148

12

noon

But the blazing peat -- `` The bleezing ingle , and the clean hearth-stane '' -- is the very soul of cheerfulness and comfort . But then peats must be prepared . They do not grow in hedges , nor vegetate in meadows . They must be cut from the black and consolidated moss ; and a peculiarly-constructed spade , with a sharp edge and crooked ear , must be made use of for that purpose ; and into the field of operation must be brought , at casting-time , the spademen , with their spades ; and the barrowmen , and women , boys , and girls , with their barrows ; and the breakfast sowans , with their creamy milk , cut and crossed into circles and squares ; and the dinner stew , with its sappy potatoes and gusty-onioned mutton fragments ; and the rest at noon , with its active sports and feats of agility , and , in particular , with its jumps from the moss-brow into the soft , marshy substance beneath -- and _ thereby hangs my tale _ , which shall be as short and simple as possible . One of the loveliest visions of my boyhood is Nancy Morrison . She was a year or so older than me ; but we went and returned from school together . She was the only daughter of a poor widow woman , who supported herself , in a romantic glen on the skirts of the Queensberry Hills , by bleaching or whitening webs .

34148

0

midnight

Will was an illegitimate child . His mother had kept the secret so well that he did not know his father , though he had frequently urged her to reveal to him privately all that she knew of his parentage . In conversing , too , with Nancy , his now affianced bride , he had expressed similar wishes ; whilst she , with a becoming and feminine modesty , had urged him not to press an aged parent on so delicate a point . At last the old woman was taken seriously ill , and , on her death-bed and at midnight , revealed to her son the secret of his birth . He was the son of a proprietor in the parish , and a much-respected man . The youth , so soon as he had closed his mother 's eyes , hurried off , amidst the darkness , to the abode of his father , and , entering by a window , was in his father 's bedchamber and over his body ere he was fully awake . `` John Scott ! ''

34148

10

ten o'clock

`` You would not say so , my dear fellow , '' said he , `` if you knew all . I am as unlucky a dog as ever ; and you may have reason yet , before we part , to wish we had not met again . '' `` Nonsense , '' said I ; `` let us enjoy the present , at all events , whatever the future may have in store for us . Come , order your palanquin , and let us be off ; the boat was to be waiting for us at Champaul Ghaut at ten o'clock , and it only wants a few minutes of the hour . '' Our ship , the Dolphin , was a beautiful little chartered free-trader , of about 600 tons , remarkably fast for a merchantman -- a regular clipper , as her captain called her -- and manned by an active and effective crew . She mounted twelve small carronades on her upper deck , and a neat brass swivel which traversed on the head of the capstan . On the 28th August , 18 -- , we sailed from Sangor with several other merchantmen , under convoy of H.M.S. Albatross .

34148

12

About noon

`` I have no time to return the compliment . If I can only keep clear of you till dark , I will weather you yet . '' The poor little Dolphin glided away beautifully , and proved that she well merited her good character ; for , after some hours ' chase , the privateer had gained but little upon us ; but still there appeared no chance of our escaping in the long run . About noon , the enemy was within range , and no sooner made the discovery , than she began blazing away with her bow-guns , in hopes of disabling us ; but fortune , for once in her life , favoured the weaker party . The privateer 's shot riddled our sails ; but our spars and hull were as yet unharmed , when a well-aimed shot from one of our stern-chasers went through her fore-topgallantsail , and struck the mast just above the cap . Three cheers burst from our gallant crew , as they saw her small masts first bend , then fall forward together before the foretopsail , dragging with them the main-royal and skysail masts . The sailing of the two vessels was so nearly equal , that we now had a decided advantage over the enemy , which Captain Driver did all in his power to make the most of .

34148

12

the hour of twelve

Besides , when there are a number of lady 's - maids , all busily engaged in decorating a single individual , a difference of opinion relative to the various items of dress always takes place , and occasions much delay . One of them is clear that such and such a colour of riband will best suit the complexion of the wearer ; another holds out strongly for an opposite hue ; and a third silences them both by asserting that neither answer the colour of the bonnet . What sort of flowers would most fittingly ornament the hair was also a subject of protracted debate ; and half-an-hour was wasted in determining whether the riband which was to circle her waist like a zone should hang down or not . Matters , however , were at last adjusted -- the bride was arrayed , the hour of twelve was struck by a small wooden clock which ticked behind the door ; and with the hour there arrived at the cottage a sort of rude palanquin , fashioned of birch-tree boughs , which intertwisted with each other , and were interwoven with branches of flowering shrubs ; and upon this some of the kindest and blithest-hearted of the villagers had agreed to bear May to the kirk . Some modest scruples required to be overcome before she would be induced to avail herself of this mode of conveyance ; and , after being seated , with the bridesmaid walking on one side , and John Darling on the other , the cavalcade began to move . Many hearty good wishes for the happiness of the bride from the elder people , and many joyous shouts from the younger part of the villagers , greeted the ears of the marriage party ; whilst a pretty long train which drew itself out in the rear , sent up its rejoicings on the wind from a distance . But one step must bring us to the altar of Hymen .

34148

8

eight o'clock

But I thought there was something unco dry in her manner o ' saying `` maybe sae . '' However , as I couldna be fashed to call upon the minister that nicht , I took nae mair notice o ' the subject . I could hardly get a word out o ' her after this , for above an hour that I remained in her company . However , she rather came to a little -LRB- for she was a kind-hearted lassie -RRB- , when we were about to part ; and we promised faithfully to meet one another at the usual trysting-place , on the Wednesday nicht following , at eight o'clock , within a minute ; and I was to have everything arranged wi ' the minister and the joiner in the meantime . On the Sunday morning , the minister passed me between the manse and the kirk , and , says he , quite familiarly -- for he was a man that had nae stiffness about him -- `` Willie , I thought you was to have been cried to-day . '' `` I beg your pardon , sir , '' said I ; `` but it was all my neglect ; for I couldna be fashed until last nicht , and then I thought ye would be at your studies , and it was owre late to trouble ye . '' `` You were very considerate , '' said he , wi ' a smile ; `` but I 'll save you the trouble next week . ''

34148

7

about seven o'clock

`` Weel , '' thought I , `` that 's twa things aff my head -- Isabella will surely be pleased now -LRB- for they ca 'd her Isabella -RRB- . I 've been fortunate in meeting wi ' them baith -- in killing twa birds wi ' ae stane . '' But the appointed Wednesday nicht came , and perfectly do I recollect , that a dark , dirty , gousty nicht it was . I had full three miles to go to see her , and about seven o'clock I pulled out my watch , and I went to the door . A sma ' drizzling rain came battering on my face . I looked a ' round about the heavens , and saw that there was nae appearance o ' the nicht 's clearing up , and , thinks I -- `` Weel , she 'll ne'er think o ' coming to meet me the nicht . She 'll no be sae daft .

34148

12

twelve o'clock precisely

guid gracious ! I 'll never forget the sensation that I felt at that moment . I 'm surprised that I didna drop dead on the floor . `` Isabella , '' said I , `` are ye no perfectly aware that this is our wedding-day , and that we were to be at the manse at twelve o'clock precisely ? '' `` Ay ! '' said she , `` had ye keepit your tryst at such a time , and at such a place , nae doubt this would have been the day ; but ye couldna be fashed to keep it then -- and I canna be fashed now . '' `` Oh , confound it ! ''

34148

5

about five o'clock

Nor can there be a doubt that he was pleased -- if , indeed , it might not be said that he was delighted ; for it can not be denied that the weight of the secret he had carried about had materially interfered with his connubial happiness ; and even the light of the honeymoon had been dashed with streaks of shade , thrown up from the cavern where the dread fact had lain concealed . On the day on which the additional children were expected , Mrs Crabbin was occupied in making preparations for their home-coming . A thousand little matters were gone about with maternal assiduity ; and , everything having been arranged , the couple and the three children sat down to tea , much in the same spirit they had done on the previous occasion . It was about five o'clock ; and the coach would arrive somewhere about that time . `` Here they come at last , '' said Caleb , as he listened to a tread of many steps on the stair , accompanied by the clear clack of the tongues of happy children . And , to be sure , in they came ; but there happened to be no fewer than five , accompanied by an old nurse ; and they had no sooner entered , than they ran forward to Mrs Crabbin , crying out `` Mamma ! mamma !

34148

4

four o'clock

`` Your father sat down to his writing-table , and began two letters -- one for his young wife , the other to his father -- and , while he was thus employed , I ran home , told Mary not to expect me home that night , and put on a suit of plain clothes . Before he was done , I had his sword and my own in excellent order ; for I was as good at fencing as he was , in consequence of having practised with him all the manly exercises he had learned . As soon as he was ready , we began play at the swords ; as the captain was an expert swordsman , while my master had had no practice for several years . Thus we passed the night until past four o'clock . When we sallied forth , we called at Blackford 's Wynd upon his second , whom we found waiting upon him , and then proceeded by St Mary 's Wynd Port and the South Back of the Canongate to the ground , which we reached a few minutes before the appointed time . The captain and his friend arrived almost as soon as we did . Since then , I have seen blood spilled as freely as water ; but never did my heart quail as at this time .

34148

22

ten o'clock in the evening

Who now -- who will protect you when I am an outlaw ? ' `` He dashed his hands upon his forehead , and groaned . I could endure in silence no longer , and at length soothed him into something like composure . It was agreed that he should go to his father , inform him of his duel , and act by his counsel ; while I should return to my own house , watch the progress of the captain 's wound , and , happen what would , meet him at Roslin Chapel at ten o'clock in the evening , to consult what was farther to be done . We parted at St Leonard 's Hill . `` In the forenoon nothing was talked of in the city but Captain Ogilvie 's duel ; and it had become a party question . The Whigs had one version of the cause of quarrel , the Tories another , I gave no ear to either ; but was rejoiced to learn that the captain was not dead , although his life was despaired of .

34148

6

six o'clock

We parted at St Leonard 's Hill . `` In the forenoon nothing was talked of in the city but Captain Ogilvie 's duel ; and it had become a party question . The Whigs had one version of the cause of quarrel , the Tories another , I gave no ear to either ; but was rejoiced to learn that the captain was not dead , although his life was despaired of . `` It was now past six o'clock -- the quarter had chimed upon the clock of St Giles . I had my hand on the latch to go once more to the captain 's , to know how he continued since my last inquiry , when the rasp was gently moved . I opened the door , and your mother staggered into my arms , pale as death , and swooned away . With difficulty Mary and I restored her to consciousness .

34148

10

ten o'clock

I told her that the captain was not yet dead , and would , I hoped , survive ; and , leaving her in charge of Mary , I hurried to ascertain what ground there was for any hope . I found that the captain was still alive , but that his death was hourly expected . `` With a sorrowful heart I hurried out by Bristo Port , after getting the word for the night from the keeper , that I might be admitted , on my return , into the city . I was at the chapel some time before ten o'clock , and found my master waiting for me . When I told him that the captain was still in life , he took my hand -- ` Square , ' he said , ` this has been a sad and dreary day to me . It is a fearful thing to have blood upon our hands , even in a just cause . I pray with my whole soul he may recover , both for his own sake and mine . '

34148

8

eight o'clock

It seemed not to be very distant . Hope invigorated his weary limbs , and he dashed through the opposing wreaths as stoutly as if his toils had been only newly begun . Another blast was blown , and he continued to run upon the sound till it ceased , and it was not again repeated . He recollected that it was common for the farmers , in many parts of Scotland , to blow a horn at eight o'clock on the winter evenings , for the purpose of warning their servants to attend to the suppering of the horses ; and he hoped that , if he could keep to the proper direction , this might lead him to some hospitable farmhouse , where he would soon forget the horrors of the storm before a comfortable fire . He now proceeded more leisurely , striving not to deviate from the course which the horn had induced him to take ; and keeping a sharp look-out on all sides , and an intense attention to every sound , in the expectation that some cottage light might twinkle upon his eye , or some human voice reach his ear , in the intervals of the deafening blast . But still he could discover no sight nor sound of man ; and the shifting tempest , which attacked him from every direction , soon confounded all his ideas of time and distance . In some places , too , the snow had accumulated in such immense masses , that he could not pass through them ; and the circuits which he was obliged to make tended farther to confuse his mind .