He blew out the match without lighting the candle, went into the passage, and proceeded on tiptoe towards Lizzy's room.

A faint grey square of light in the direction of the chamber-window as he approached told him that the door was open, and at once suggested that the occupant was gone.
He turned and brought down his fist upon the handrail of the staircase: 'It was she; in her late husband's coat and hat!' Somewhat relieved to find that there was no intruder in the case, yet none the less surprised, the minister crept down the stairs, softly put on his boots, overcoat, and hat, and tried the front door.

It was fastened as usual: he went to the back door, found this unlocked, and emerged into the garden.

The night was mild and moonless, and rain had lately been falling, though for the present it had ceased.

There was a sudden dropping from the trees and bushes every now and then, as each passing wind shook their boughs.