nearly ten at night
The determined adherence of Sir John Fenwick to his charge , the sort of indifference which the Earl of Byerdale displayed in regard to the prisoner 's situation , neglecting to see him , though repeatedly promising to do so , all served to depress his spirits day by day , and to render him altogether insensible to the voice of comfort . Towards Wilton himself the Earl resumed a portion of his reserve and gravity ; and though he still called him , `` My dear Wilton , '' and `` My dear boy , '' when he addressed him , he spoke to him very little upon any subject , except mere matters of business , and checked every approach to the topic on which Wilton would most willingly have entered . On the seventh or eighth day of the Duke 's imprisonment , however , Lord Sherbrooke again appeared in town ; but the Earl employed Wilton constantly , during the whole of that day ; so much so , indeed , that his secretary could not help believing that there was effort apparent in it , in order to prevent his holding any private communication with his friend . At length , however , he suffered him to return home , but not till nearly ten at night , by which time Lord Sherbrooke had left the house , to go to some great entertainment . Scarcely had Wilton passed the door , when he found some one take hold of his arm , and to his surprise found the young nobleman by his side . `` I have been watching for you eagerly , Wilton , '' he said , `` for it seems to me , that the game is going against you , and I see the faces of the cards . '' `` I am very anxious indeed about the Duke , if such be your meaning , Sherbrooke , '' replied Wilton .