I had expected his arrival before tea; now it was dark: what could keep him?
Had an accident happened?
The event of last night again recurred to me.

I interpreted it as a warning of disaster.

I feared my hopes were too bright to be realised; and I had enjoyed so much bliss lately that I imagined my fortune had passed its meridian, and must now decline.
"Well, I cannot return to the house," I thought; "I cannot sit by the fireside, while he is abroad in inclement weather: better tire my limbs than strain my heart; I will go forward and meet him." I set out; I walked fast, but not far: ere I had measured a quarter of a mile, I heard the tramp of hoofs; a horseman came on, full gallop; a dog ran by his side.

Away with evil presentiment! It was he: here he was, mounted on Mesrour, followed by Pilot.

He saw me; for the moon had opened a blue field in the sky, and rode in it watery bright: he took his hat off, and waved it round his head.