midnight
Blanche listened attentively . What she heard was evidently something new , but it did not disconcert her . She explained to Zulma that when the hour for rest came , she said all her prayers , put on the night-dress which Pauline had given her -- this was always white , in all seasons -- covered the fire in winter , closed the door in summer , but never locked it , and then went to sleep . `` When my grandfather is in his alcove , I hardly ever awaken , but if he is absent I always awaken at midnight . Then I sit up and listen . Sometimes I hear the owl 's cry or the bark of the wolf . At other times , I hear the great noise of the tempest .