midnight
While I folded and replaced these , I really do n't know what caused me to fancy that something was moving behind me , as I stood with my back toward the bed . I do not recollect any sound whatever ; but instinctively I glanced into the mirror , and my eyes were instantly fixed by what I saw . The figure of Uncle Silas rose up , and dressed in a long white morning gown , slid over the end of the bed , and with two or three swift noiseless steps , stood behind me , with a death-like scowl and a simper . Preternaturally tall and thin , he stood for a moment almost touching me , with the white bandage pinned across his forehead , his bandaged arm stiffly by his side , and diving over my shoulder , with his long thin hand he snatched the Bible , and whispered over my head -- ` The serpent beguiled her and she did eat ; ' and after a momentary pause , he glided to the farthest window , and appeared to look out upon the midnight prospect . It was cold , but he did not seem to feel it . With the same inflexible scowl and smile , he continued to look out for several minutes , and then with a great sigh , he sat down on the side of his bed , his face immovably turned towards me , with the same painful look . It seemed to me an hour before old Wyat came back ; and never was lover made happier at sight of his mistress than I to behold that withered crone .