It was the burden of his thought, even as she made it the burden of her song.

Keep the lines; they may serve thy turn yet.

Esther is a wise woman.

She did not give thee that paper for naught." The day had well-nigh dawned before Cuthbert flung himself upon one of the pallet beds in the cave, and fell asleep from sheer weariness of mind and body; but he was young, and sleep came quickly and held him in a fast embrace.

The silence and darkness of this underground place were favourable to a long spell of repose.
The youth did not open his eyes till the sun had passed its meridian many hours, though no ray of daylight glinted into that dim abode.
It might have been the middle of the night for all he knew when he opened his eyes once again; and when he did so he lay perfectly still, for he was convinced that he was yet in the midst of some strange dream.