ten o'clock before
Sylvia had gone about for the last few days with her delicate face as irresponsibly calm as a sweet-pea ; nobody had dreamed of the turmoil in her heart . On the Wednesday night before she had nearly reached the climax of her wishes . Richard had come , departing from his usual custom -- he had never called except on Sunday before -- and remained later . It was ten o'clock before he went home . He had been very silent all the evening , and had sat soberly in the great best rocking-chair , which was , in a way , his throne of state , with Sylvia on the sofa on his right . Many a time she had dreamed that he came over there and sat down beside her , and that night it had come to pass . Just before ten o'clock he had arisen hesitatingly ; she thought it was to take leave , but she sat waiting and trembling .