midnight
She also asked further questions , and the answers convinced her , that Annette , and probably her informer , were ignorant of the terrible truth , though in Annette 's account something very like the truth , now and then , mingled with the falsehood . Emily now began to fear , that her visit to the chamber had been observed , since the door had been closed , so immediately after her departure ; and dreaded lest this should draw upon her the vengeance of Montoni . Her anxiety , also , was excited to know whence , and for what purpose , the delusive report , which had been imposed upon Annette , had originated , since Montoni could only have wished for silence and secrecy ; but she felt , that the subject was too terrible for this lonely hour , and she compelled herself to leave it , to converse with Annette , whose chat , simple as it was , she preferred to the stillness of total solitude . Thus they sat , till near midnight , but not without many hints from Annette , that she wished to go . The embers were now nearly burnt out ; and Emily heard , at a distance , the thundering sound of the hall doors , as they were shut for the night . She , therefore , prepared for rest , but was still unwilling that Annette should leave her . At this instant , the great bell of the portal sounded .