Hitherto all was benign in his deportment.

Her heart was pierced with sorrow at the contemplation of this change.

She was utterly unable to account for it, or to figure to herself the species of disaster that was menaced.
Contrary to custom, the lamp, instead of being placed on the hearth, was left upon the table.

Over it against the wall there hung a small clock, so contrived as to strike a very hard stroke at the end of every sixth hour.

That which was now approaching was the signal for retiring to the fane at which he addressed his devotions.