midnight
Diana , white of face , listened to and shared her fears . Even her shallow nature was stirred by the tragedy of Ruth 's position , by dread lest Richard should indeed have met his end that night . In these moments of distress , she forgot her hopes of triumphing over Blake , of punishing him for his indifference to herself . At last , at something after midnight , there came a fevered rapping at the outer door . Both women started up , and with arms about each other , in their sudden panic , stood there waiting for the news that must be here at last . The door of the dining-room was flung open ; the women recoiled in their dread of what might come ; then Richard entered , Jasper 's startled countenance showing behind him . He closed the door , shutting out the wondering servant , and they saw that , though his face was ashen and his limbs all a-tremble , he showed no sign of any hurt or effort .