Then there was a long silence, unbroken till Sissy was thirsty and wanted something to drink. "What time?" she said when she had finished.
"Half-past twelve."
"It's very dark."
"We will have another candle," said Aunt Harriet.
"No: the candle only makes me see how dark it is all round."
Again there was silence, but not so long this time. And again Sissy broke it: "Aunt Harriet, he is coming now."
"Yes, darling, he is coming."
"I feel as if I saw the train, with red lights in front, coming through the night—always coming, but never any nearer."
"But it is nearer every minute. Percival is nearer now than when you spoke."
Sissy said "Yes," and was quiet again till between one and two. Then Mrs. Middleton perceived that her eyes were open. "What is it, dear child?" she said.