midnight
I became impatient , and entered the cottage . The eyes of Julia seemed to brighten at my appearance , but they were also full of sadness . Edgerton soon after rose and took his departure . I believe , if I had stayed away till midnight , he would have lingered until that time ; but I also believe that if I had returned two hours before , he would have gone as soon . His passion for the wife seemed to produce an antipathy to the husband , quite as naturally as that which grew up in my bosom in regard to him . When he was gone , my wife approached me , almost vehemently exclaiming -- `` Why , why do you leave me thus , Clifford ? Surely you can not love me . ''