noon
She was taken ill yesterday morning immediately after you left her . She is insensible , but you may find her still living . ' Nothing but strong indignation could have made John Martindale thus communicate such tidings . He had arrived that day at noon to find that the creature he had left in the height of her bright loveliness was in the extremity of suffering and peril -- her husband gone no one knew whither ; and the servants , too angry not to speak plainly , reporting that he had left her in hysterics . John tried not to believe the half , but as time went on , bringing despair of the poor young mother 's life , and no tidings of Arthur ; while he became more and more certain that there had been cruel neglect , the very gentleness and compassion of his nature fired and glowed against him who had taken her from her home , vowed to cherish her , and forsaken her at such a time . However , he was softened by seeing him stagger against the wall , perfectly stunned , then gathering breath , rush up-stairs without a word . As Arthur pushed open the door , there was a whisper that it was he , too late , and room was made for him .