midnight
After a moment 's deliberation I determined to go to a house at some miles ' distance ; the dwelling of one who , though not exempt from the reigning panic , had shown more generosity towards these unhappy girls than others . During my former abode in this district , I had ascertained his character , and found him to be compassionate and liberal . Overpowered by fatigue and watching , Eliza was no sooner relieved , by my presence , of some portion of her cares , than she sunk into profound slumber . I directed Caleb to watch the house till my return , which should be before midnight , and then set out for the dwelling of Mr. Ellis . The weather was temperate and moist , and rendered the footing of the meadows extremely difficult . The ground , that had lately been frozen and covered with snow , was now changed into gullies and pools , and this was no time to be fastidious in the choice of paths . A brook , swelled by the recent _ thaw _ , was likewise to be passed .