Time sped on.
Thalassa did not return, but she did not notice his absence.

More rain fell, beating against the window importunately, as if begging admission, then ceased all at once, as at a hidden command, and again there was a profound silence.
A piece of coal jumped from the fire with a hissing noise, and fell at Mrs.Thalassa's feet.

She got up to replace it, and observed that she was alone.
She thought she heard her husband's footsteps in the passage, and opened the door.

But there was nobody there.

The lower part of the house was gloomy and dark, but she could see the lamp glimmering on the hall stand.
She was about to return to her seat when the hall lamp suddenly mooned up, cast monstrous shadows, and went black out.
This fantastic trick of the lamp frightened her.