It is not known how the Master of Ravenswood disposed of the rest of
that unhappy day. Late at night, however, he arrived at Wolf's Crag, and
aroused his old domestic, Caleb Balderstone, who had ceased to expect
his return. Confused and flying rumours of the late tragical death of
Miss Ashton, and of its mysterious cause, had already reached the old
man, who was filled with the utmost anxiety, on account of the probable
effect these events might produce upon the mind of his master.
The conduct of Ravenswood did not alleviate his apprehensions. To the
butler's trembling entreaties that he would take some refreshment, he at
first returned no answer, and then suddenly and fiercely demanding wine,
he drank, contrary to his habits, a very large draught. Seeing that his
master would eat nothing, the old man affectionately entreated that
he would permit him to light him to his chamber. It was not until the
request was three or four times repeated that Ravenswood made a mute
sign of compliance. But when Balderstone conducted him to an apartment
which had been comfortably fitted up, and which, since his return, he
had usually occupied, Ravenswood stopped short on the threshold.
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