midnight
To her surprise Unorna was not there , but Sister Paul imagined that she had lingered over her prayers and would soon return . The good nun had sat down to wait for her , and telling her beads had fallen asleep . The unaccustomed warmth and comfort of the guest 's room had been too much for the weariness that constantly oppressed a constitution broken with ascetic practices . Accustomed by long habit to awake at midnight to attend the service , her eyes opened of themselves , indeed , but a full hour later than usual . She heard the clock strike one , and for a moment could not believe her senses . Then she understood that she had been asleep , and was amazed to find that Unorna had not come back . She went out hastily into the corridor .