midnight
Young William , though he viewed with contempt Henry 's inferior state , was far less happy than he . His marriage had been the very counterpart of his father 's ; and having no child to create affection to his home , his study was the only relief from that domestic incumbrance called his wife ; and though , by unremitting application there -LRB- joined to the influence of the potent relations of the woman he hated -RRB- , he at length arrived at the summit of his ambitious desires , still they poorly repaid him for the sacrifice he had made in early life of every tender disposition . Striding through a list of rapid advancements in the profession of the law , at the age of thirty-eight he found himself raised to a preferment such as rarely falls to the share of a man of his short experience -- he found himself invested with a judge 's robe ; and , gratified by the exalted office , curbed more than ever that aversion which her want of charms or sympathy had produced against the partner of his honours . While William had thus been daily rising in fortune 's favour , poor Agnes had been daily sinking deeper and deeper under fortune 's frowns : till at last she became a midnight wanderer through the streets of London , soliciting , or rudely demanding , money of the passing stranger . Sometimes , hunted by the watch , she affrighted fled from street to street , from portico to portico ; and once , unknowing in her fear which way she hurried , she found her trembling knees had sunk , and her wearied head was reclined against the stately pillars that guarded William 's door . At the sudden recollection where she was , a swell of passion , composed of horror , of anger , of despair , and love , gave reanimated strength to her failing limbs ; and , regardless of her pursuer 's steps , she ran to the centre of the street , and , looking up to the windows of the mansion , cried , `` Ah ! there he sleeps in quiet , in peace , in ease -- he does not even dream of me -- he does not care how the cold pierces , or how the people persecute me !