midnight before
She smiled , and slightly blushed , as if she felt the awkwardness of her remark , though too late . The Duke retired early , but not to sleep . His mind was busied on a great deed . It was past midnight before he could compose his agitated feelings to repose , and by five o'clock he was again up . He dressed himself , and then put on a rough travelling coat , which , with a shawl , effectually disguised his person ; and putting in one pocket a shirt , and in the other a few articles from his dressing-case , the Duke of St. James stole out of Castle Dacre , leaving a note for his host , accounting for his sudden departure by urgent business at Hauteville , and promising a return in a day or two . The fresh morn had fully broke . He took his hurried way through the long dewy grass , and , crossing the Park , gained the road , which , however , was not the high one .