midnight
The thought of Stephen was like a horrible throbbing pain , which yet , as such pains do , seemed to urge all other thoughts into activity . But among her thoughts , what others would say and think of her conduct was hardly present . Love and deep pity and remorseful anguish left no room for that . The coach was taking her to York , farther away from home ; but she did not learn that until she was set down in the old city at midnight . It was no matter ; she could sleep there , and start home the next day . She had her purse in her pocket , with all her money in it , -- a bank-note and a sovereign ; she had kept it in her pocket from forgetfulness , after going out to make purchases the day before yesterday . Did she lie down in the gloomy bedroom of the old inn that night with her will bent unwaveringly on the path of penitent sacrifice ?