It would be to his advantage to impress this on her mind, so as thus to emphasize her helplessness, and cause her to realize that no one knew of her predicament.

What an awakening it would be when she again recognized me as actually alive, and beside, her.

Surely in that moment I should read the whole truth in those wonderful eyes, and reap my reward in her first impulse of gratitude.

It was not in nature to share such a moment with another; I wanted it for myself, alone.
It was nearly twelve before even the slightest sound near at hand indicated the approach of others.

I was already in an agony of suspense, imagining something might have gone wrong, when the dull scuffling of horses' hoofs being led cautiously up the trail to my right, broke the intense silence.