midnight
Was it a beacon of hope , or did the rays fall on features cold under the kiss of death ? Spurring his horse up the rocky hill , Mr. Dunbar was greeted by the baying of two bloodhounds within the enclosure ; and soon after , Mr. Singleton conducted him up the steps leading to the room where Beryl had been placed . `` She is alive ; that is all . The doctor said she could not last till midnight , but it is now half-past one ; and my wife has never lost hope . She has sent the nurse off to get some sleep , and you will find Susie in charge . '' The hazel eyes of the gaoler 's wife were humid with tears , as she glanced up at the attorney , and motioned him to the low chair she vacated . `` I knew you would come , and when I heard you gallop across the bridge , I sent Sister Serena off to bed .