midnight
His ruffled right hand was clutched by his side , as if grasping a cutlass . He paced the room as if advancing upon a fortification . Meantime a confused buzz of discussion came from the neighboring chamber . All else was profound midnight tranquillity . Presently , passing the large mirror over the mantel , Paul caught a glimpse of his person . He paused , grimly regarding it , while a dash of pleased coxcombry seemed to mingle with the otherwise savage satisfaction expressed in his face . But the latter predominated .