midnight
No , it was a different sound and came from the front-door . Some person was evidently trying to open it . Ruth 's heart stood still . All the terrible stories she had ever heard of burglars and midnight robberies came to her mind , and at the same time the unpleasant conviction that she had stepped aside from the path of duty and thus brought herself into danger . Her presence of mind was quite gone . She feared that her candle might attract attention , but dared not extinguish it and be alone in the dark with -- she knew not whom . Holding her breath she stood for a moment gazing fixedly towards the door .