midnight
There , as the evening wore away , she regretted more and more that she had been so friendly with Lord Uplandtowers . But he had launched himself upon her so unexpectedly : if she had only foreseen the meeting with him , what a careful line of conduct she would have marked out ! Barbara broke into a perspiration of disquiet when she thought of her unreserve , and , in self-chastisement , resolved to sit up till midnight on the bare chance of Edmond 's return ; directing that supper should be laid for him , improbable as his arrival till the morrow was . The hours went past , and there was dead silence in and round about Yewsholt Lodge , except for the soughing of the trees ; till , when it was near upon midnight , she heard the noise of hoofs and wheels approaching the door . Knowing that it could only be her husband , Barbara instantly went into the hall to meet him . Yet she stood there not without a sensation of faintness , so many were the changes since their parting ! And , owing to her casual encounter with Lord Uplandtowers , his voice and image still remained with her , excluding Edmond , her husband , from the inner circle of her impressions .