nearly four o'clock in the morning
Herrick agreed to stay at once , though he knew his prolonged absence would annoy and possibly upset his wife . She deserved no consideration , he told himself sternly . It was largely through her machinations that this thing had come to pass ; and a few hours ' anxiety would be a small enough price to pay for her treachery . It was nearly four o'clock in the morning when Owen returned , tired out , despondent , and with no slightest scrap of news . He came into the library looking ready to drop with fatigue , and found Herrick sitting over the fire apparently lost in thought . Olga and Jock , who had long since fraternized , lay side by side on the hearthrug ; and all was quiet and peaceful . But when Herrick sprang up , hearing Owen 's step , it was easy to see that for him , too , the night had worn away in keenest suspense .