This incident was a source of vexation and impatience.

I knew not but that delay would be of the utmost moment to the safety of my friend.

Wholly unacquainted as I was with the nature of his contracts with Thetford, I could not decide whether a single hour would not avail to obviate the evils that threatened him.

Had I known whither to trace his footsteps, I should certainly have sought an immediate interview; but, as it was, I was obliged to wait, with what patience I could collect, for his return to his own house.
I waited hour after hour in vain.

The sun declined, and the shades of evening descended; but Welbeck was still at a distance..