A few minutes before four o'clock
Scared with the visions which seemed to throng with unceasing rapidity and vividness , I threw open the window and looked out upon the quiet scene around . I turned my eyes in the direction of the town ; a heavy cloud was lowering darkly about it , and I , in impious frenzy , prayed to God that it might burst in avenging fires upon the murderous wretch who lay beneath . At length , sick and giddy with excess of excitement , I threw myself upon the bed without removing my clothes , and endeavoured to compose myself so far as to remain quiet until the hour for our assembling should arrive . A few minutes before four o'clock I stole noiselessly downstairs , and made my way to the small study already mentioned . A candle was burning within ; and , when I opened the door , O'Connor was reading a book , which , on seeing me , he hastily closed , colouring slightly as he did so . We exchanged a cordial but mournful greeting ; and after a slight pause he said , laying his hand upon the volume which he had shut a moment before : ` Purcell , I feel perfectly calm , though I can not say that I have much hope as to the issue of this morning 's rencounter . I shall avoid half the danger .