midnight
My glory is in the assurance that you understand my letter , approve , and are relieved . With such sanction , and with ardour before you like mine , I see that you could do no other than consent , and there is not a shadow of censure in my mind ; but if , without compromising your sense of obedience , you could openly avow our engagement to Mr. Mansell , I own that I should feel that we were not drawn into a compromise of sincerity . What this costs me I will not say ; it will be bare existence till we meet at Scarborough . ` Your own , J. E. F. D. ' Having written this and deposited it in the Ebbscreek post-office , James bethought himself that his submissive cousin had thrown himself on the floor , with his bag for a pillow , trying to make the most of the few moments of rest before the midnight journey . Seized with compunction , James exclaimed , ` There , old fellow , we will stay to-night . ' ` Thank you -- ' He was too sleepy for more . The delay was recompensed .