midnight
In their estimation , to have their conduct _ known _ is the essential mischief . While it is hid , they fancy the sin but half committed ; and to the moiety of a crime they reconcile their feelings , till , in progression , the whole , when disclosed , appears trivial . He designed that Agnes should receive the news from himself by degrees , and in such a manner as to console her , or at least to silence her complaints ; and with the wish to soften the regret which he still felt on the prudent necessity of yielding her wholly up when his marriage should take place , he promised to himself some intervening hours of private meetings , which he hoped would produce satiety . While Henry flew to Mr. Rymer 's house with a conscience clear , and a face enlightened with gladness -- while he met Rebecca with open-hearted friendship and frankness , which charmed her soul to peaceful happiness -- William skulked around the cottage of Agnes , dreading detection ; and when , towards midnight , he found the means to obtain the company of the sad inhabitant , he grew so impatient at her tears and sobs , at the delicacy with which she withheld her caresses , that he burst into bitter upbraidings at her coyness , and at length -LRB- without discovering the cause of her peculiar agitation and reserve -RRB- abruptly left her vowing `` never to see her more . '' As he turned away , his heart even congratulated him `` that he had made so discreet a use of his momentary disappointment , as thus to shake her off at once without further explanation or excuse . '' She , ignorant and illiterate as she was , knew enough of her own heart to judge of his , and to know that such violent affections and expressions , above all , such a sudden , heart-breaking manner of departure , were not the effects of love , nor even of humanity . She felt herself debased by a ruffian -- yet still , having loved him when she thought him a far different character , the blackest proof of the deception could not cause a sentiment formed whilst she was deceived .