Hall Caine

“ The sexton goes off slowly, picking his way in the darkness. Lucy runs into the house for her cloak. There is a moment's silence, and then Larry comes back. His rage is spent; his eyes are full of horror; he drags his feet after him. ”

“ At length the roysterers take off the watchman by arms and legs, the landlord puts out the lamp that hangs under his sign, goes in and bolts his door.
Only Larry is left in the market place. He is straightening himself up for his meeting with his wife.
Larry has to tell Lucy that he is going to the whaling. He thinks he must tell her here—here in the darkness—he can't face it out in the light.
There is a piazza before the house. In one of the windows above it a light is burning. She's going to bed, he thinks. He picks up a handful of gravel and dashes it at the window. ”

“ The company in the inn stay late over their cups, and it is dark when they break up to go home. By this time they are all merry, and the watchman is quite drunk. There is much chaff of this guardian of the peace. If anybody wants to commit burglary or manslaughter this is the chance for it. He'll get away free while old Peter is sleeping off his liquor. ”