nearly midnight
But this very thought , so consoling in itself , reminded him of all his vexations , of the public inquiry into his conduct which was hanging over him , and of his want of power to offer to Lucy the support and protection of which she might so soon stand in need ; and having thus drawn upon his head once more his whole burden of troubles , Mr Wentworth went in to eat his dinner with what appetite he could . The Perpetual Curate sat up late that night , as indeed was his custom . He sat late , hearing , as everybody does who sits up alone in a hushed and sleeping household , a hundred fantastic creaks and sounds which did not mean anything , and of which he took no notice . Once , indeed , when it was nearly midnight , he fancied he heard the garden-gate close hurriedly , but explained it to himself as people do when they prefer not to give themselves trouble . About one o'clock in the morning , however , Mr Wentworth could no longer be in any doubt that some stealthy step was passing his door and moving about the house . He was not alarmed , for Mrs Hadwin had occasional `` attacks , '' like most people of her age ; but he put down his pen and listened . No other sound was to be heard except this stealthy step , no opening of doors , nor whisper of voices , nor commotion of any kind ; and after a while Mr Wentworth 's curiosity was fully awakened .