midnight
This hour was chosen from the idea that the horror of the flames being heightened by the gloom of midnight , the execution would have a greater effect upon the mind of the People . Ambrosio rather dead than alive was left alone in his dungeon . The moment in which this terrible decree was pronounced had nearly proved that of his dissolution . He looked forward to the morrow with despair , and his terrors increased with the approach of midnight . Sometimes He was buried in gloomy silence : At others He raved with delirious passion , wrung his hands , and cursed the hour when He first beheld the light . In one of these moments his eye rested upon Matilda 's mysterious gift . His transports of rage were instantly suspended .