midnight before
She would undertake to watch , and to rouse them up should there be any need during the night . Somewhat appeased and comforted by these words , the maids withdrew and sought their needed rest . But Janet and Dinah returned to the sickroom , resolved to keep vigil there , and only to sleep by turns upon the couch , ready dressed in case of emergency . It was nigh upon midnight before Lord Desborough returned , and he was so blackened and begrimed that they scarcely knew him . His wife was still sleeping the sleep of exhausted nature , and , after one glance at her , the young nobleman turned towards Janet , who was quivering all over in her anxiety to hear the news . `` Well , maiden , thy father 's house is safe , and half the bridge is safe ; and the thanks of that are due to him and to a worthy neighbour , who by their wise exertions stayed the fire , which might else have spread even to the other side of the river . '' Janet and Dinah exchanged looks of unspeakable relief , and Lord Desborough continued in the same cautious undertone : `` Once out of doors , the fire fever quickly got its hold on me , even as it has gotten hold upon almost every person in the city .