midnight
I thought as he spoke that he was precious rough himself , and that it was very much owing to him , and men like him , that merchant-seamen are so often little better than barbarians -- without a thought of religion , or a knowledge of a future life . Several more days passed by , and we were making good progress . I little guessed what was in store for us . Often , as I kept my midnight watch , my thoughts flew to Madeline Carlyon , and I delighted to picture to myself the happiness which I anticipated when I should one day be united to her . Of course I could not tell how or when that was to be , but I had so often and so long dwelt on the subject that I began to consider my union with her as a settled thing , that was to be a reality . Of one thing I was most certain , that she fully returned the affection I had bestowed on her . I pictured to myself how delightful it would be to bring her over to England as my wife -- to introduce her to my father and mother and my relations , and to witness the admiration I was certain they would bestow on her .