1 in the morning
He had never deliberately done anything wicked -- on the contrary he had tried always to do what was best ; yet , as he stood there , a strange sense of something wanting came over him . The young wife he loved with such passionate worship was in the hour of need , and he could render no assistance . Later on a strange hush had fallen over the doctor 's house . It was past 1 in the morning ; the sky was overcast ; the wind was moaning fitfully , as though a storm was brewing in the autumn air . The dew lay thick and heavy on the ground . Inside the house was the strange hush that dangerous sickness always brings with it . The doctor had in haste summoned the best nurse in Castledene , Hannah Furney , who shook her head gravely when she saw the beautiful pale face .