His Darling Sin by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

"But now with lights reverse the old hours retire, / And the last hour is shod with fire from hell. / This is the end of every man's desire. "

During the four months which had elapsed since Faunce's first visit to Kate Delmaine, alias Mrs. Randall, the detective had contrived to keep an observant eye upon the lady; but he had not succeeded in arriving on a more friendly footing with her, although he had obliged her on several occasions with a small advance on account of the promised reward.